We Remember
DORKIN, Kenneth Albert
January 6, 1939 — March 12, 2025
Kenneth Albert Dorkin, known to everyone as Ken, spent his childhood in the big city of Toronto. He was the oldest of 4 children born to Bert and Vera Dorkin in 1939, followed by his sister Deanna, brother Allan, and little sister Sandy. His dad served for over 40 years with the Toronto Metropolitan Police, so Ken decided to follow in his footsteps although a slightly different, more adventurous path to Regina, Saskatchewan with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It wasn’t easy for a city boy in RCMP training camp, as he soon discovered that the “M” meant he had to learn how to ride a horse. He managed, although somewhat battered, to successfully complete training and be stationed clear across the country in the Southern Okanagan. This is where his next adventure began when he met the pretty young local girl at the Social Services office, Marnie, who became the love of his life. They married and started their family in Penticton with the birth of Debbi in 1962 and Ray in 1964. As was the nomadic life of the RCMP, many moves followed, beginning with Janice’s birthplace, Dawson Creek, in 1969.
Ken loved northern BC, where he embraced his passion for hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed playing baseball, hockey and broomball. Many strong friendships were formed in these years, which lasted his whole life. Always the life of the party, he loved any good reason to gather and socialize with friends. He had a great sense of humour, told amazing jokes and his laughter filled the room as he loved to goof around.
Ken was extremely proud of his work as a policeman. He was welcomed in the small communities that he served because of his friendly, easy-going manner, and he genuinely cared for people. But when he had an opportunity to be a plain-clothes detective, he loved this work as well. He dedicated his life to serving and helping the public with a strong belief in justice and fairness.
Ken was a dedicated and loving family man and was so proud as the family grew with grandchildren and great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren. Retirement allowed Ken and Marnie to do some travelling on cruises and in the motorhome, always making sure to go back home to see his family every couple of years in Ontario. When he was at home during the winters, he set up a carpentry workshop in their Salmon Arm basement, building many treasures for each member of the family.
Summers in their later years were spent at Mabel Lake Resort where he was very involved in helping with maintenance, “security”, and “social activities”. He loved providing golf cart transportation to and from the golf course so he could meet people and entertain them. He especially loved the fishing derbies and the weekly barbecues. Their final couple of years were spent comfortably at Hawthorn Park in Kelowna where they could be closer to family and pampered by the amazing staff, making new friends along the way.
Dad had the best smile and his eyes sparkled with love and mischief when he was telling one of his stories. He was so proud of his family, and he told us all the time. It was really hard for him to lose Mom in October last year. We are confident that they continue their love story together again. He was a really good man who believed strongly in right and wrong. He was strict but for all of the right reasons, and we are better adults for his strong guidance.
A gathering to celebrate Ken’s life will be held at a later date so that his family from the east can join us. Donations in his honour can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
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Heart and Stroke Foundation Link: www.heartandstroke.ca
Condolences
My dear friend Ken Dorkin, I will always cherish the time we spent together over the summers at Mabel Lake. You and Marnie always treated us like family. I will always carry the numerous conversations and the great memories with me. My deepest condolences to his entire family. Ken was a man of character and integrity and love for his family. Rest easy pal.
Stu and Janet
Ray and Jan, we send our deepest condolences. You will miss your Dad . May he rest in peace. xo
Janet and Ray, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Heartfelt condolences to all your family, I know how close you all were. I hope in time, your memories will bring smiles along with the deep sense of loss. Hugs my friends.
We are very sorry for your loss.
Have known Ken since the early 1970s where we worked together at Vancouver Town Station and Richmond Detachment. Ken and Marnie introduced me to my wife Denise in those early days and later was MC at our wedding. In all the years Ken could always be counted on to help out and provide support with his usual blunt humour and frankness. He was a good policeman and friend and a great guy. He was in many ways one of a kind and he will be missed.