We Remember

Thompson, Kenneth (Ken or Uncle Kenny)

September 21, 1930 — September 12, 2024

It is with profound love and sadness on our part, and with great joy on Dad’s part, that the family of Ken Thompson announce his passing on September 12, 2024 at the age of 93.  Dad’s hope and faith became sight as he stepped into eternity to be forever with Jesus.

Dad leaves behind his wife, Irma; children, Norm (Karen), Barb (Peter), and Kevin (Lana); grandchildren, Mykle (Amanda), Jamie (Gavin), Tayler and Jordan; great-grandchildren, Dakota, Kenzy and Tanner,  Maya and Willow.

Born in rural Cascade B.C. (Christina Lake) Dad developed a love for the outdoors, where he enjoyed hiking, camping, hunting and fishing.  It was the beauty of creation that truly inspired Dad and this is reflected in his poems that he shared with so many of us over the years.

At the age of 30, Dad’s life was forever and profoundly changed following his encounter with Jesus.  What followed was a dedication to a life of service that Dad was always committed to, serving whenever, and where ever there was a need.  Dad’s life was full of engagements and activities in his local church, youth work and mission trips, cubs and scouts, RCMP Neighborhood watch, and Prison Fellowship Ministries.  Dad had a heart for individuals and his desire to serve them was a reflection of his love for Jesus.

In 1959 Dad met Irma on a bus heading to Vancouver.  They would later marry and have 3 children.  Dad’s love for Mom was wholehearted and his commitment to her care and happiness were central to his life.  Dad loved his family, both immediate and extended and it was always his desire to let them know they were loved, often thought of and constantly prayed for.

Dad served in the Canadian Air Force and was stationed in Germany for 5 years during the mid 1960’s.  Following his military career, Dad worked in various positions and industries, until he began work at Okanagan College in the Trades Department at the age of 55.  He loved this role, as so much of it involved “all things mechanical” which always gave him such pleasure and the satisfaction to “fix” things. An additional benefit was the joy he derived from working with the students and being a part of their education.

In addition to Dad’s love of nature, he enjoyed writing poetry. After his retirement, Dad compiled all of his writings into a 160-page booklet entitled “Ramblings and Reflections.” If you met Dad in his later years, he likely gave you a copy of his book.

We would like to thank Dr. Sebulsky and the staff at Mountainview Village for their exceptional care of our Dad over the past months; the support of the Palliative team; and the kindness of staff at Hospice House during his final week.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM, at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dad’s name to Prison Fellowship Canada.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

LIVSTREAM:

Service
Friday, September 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM

Location
Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

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Prison Fellowship Canada Link: www.prisonfellowship.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for Thompson, Kenneth (Ken or Uncle Kenny) is scheduled for Friday, September 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

Phone:


Special Requests:

None.


Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Mike stefanik says:

    My condolences to Ken’s wife and family. I met Ken when I was at the college in welding school. He always to time out to talk about hunting and the outdoors

  • Elizabeth Clarke says:

    Dear Irma and family……Sending my sincere condolences and sympathy for the passing of your Husband, Dad, Grandfather and great-Grandfather. I have lived in Ontario since 2013, but think often of my friends in Kelowna. I was involved in Prison Ministry there with Ken and enjoyed serving with him. He was a wonderful friend and the Fruit of the Spirit was evident in every part of his life. I know he will be sorely missed by everyone.

  • Jayne McDonald says:

    I’m sorry to hear of Papa’s passing. Big hugs to you Karen, and Norm. ❤️

  • Carol Kozoway says:

    Norm, so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. May you cherish your memories of him.

  • Tony and Elena Wiens says:

    Norm, I remember you telling me how faithfully involved your Dad was at Trinity Church. Condolences to you and Karen. Tony & Elena

  • Helen Neudorf says:

    My late husband Peter & I have been close friends since we first met 50+ years ago. So sad to see them leave but assured we will meet again! My deepest condolences to Irma, & family. May God keep you in perfect Peace. Much Love. Helen

  • Erica Swart says:

    Thinking of dear Irma and family. I met Ken and Irma at Trinity church and they were always so kind and sweet to me. One of the sweetest couples I have ever met. I miss you so much sweet Ken. And everyone always loved the poems that you read out at the seniors brunches too.

  • Joanne Bonk says:

    So many dear memories of Ken. My sincere condolences to Irma and the family. I loved working along side Ken as he faithfully volunteered at church fixing many things and always a pleasure to be around. Always a poem to give and a joke to share. You shall be dearly missed by many. Heaven gates opened for you. Joanne

  • Debbie H Thompson says:

    So many memories have been running through my mind since I heard about our lose of Uncle Kenny.
    Uncle Kenny was the last of the siblings of my parents.
    We first met him when he joined the forces and was sent to St Hubert for training.
    Uncle Kenny was always so much fun and always interested in everything we were up to.
    We looked forward to our yearly phone call to get caught up and whatever visits we could work into our lives..
    Uncle Kenny visited as often as he could, considering that he lived “on the other side of the country,” or was in Europe.
    I was lucky enough to see Uncle Kenny and Aunty Irma, (with cousin Norm and Louanne) when I was visiting in Kelowna, a couple of weeks ago.
    I will always treasure those hours and the beautiful smiles and the laughter that I was honoured enough to share with him.
    So glad I got to see the twinkle in his eyes, once more, to hear his voice and to hug and hug and hug him.
    We were so blessed to have had him in our lives.
    I will be watching the ceremony, from back here in the east; grieving but grateful that I was one of the lucky ones who got to share parts of his life.
    Thank you Uncle Kenny for so many wonderful memories and the joy you brought to our lives.

  • Eric R Spletzer says:

    So sorry to hear about your loss. I knew Ken for years at Trinity Church. He was always a greater encourager. I remember always being greeted by his big smile. He loved Jesus who shone through. I look forward to meeting again one day!

  • Lorena Reimer says:

    Condolences to Irma and family.
    Ken & Irma were family at Shaughnessy Green.
    Ken would tell his jokes at Coffeetime, recite one of his poems at various functions, and volunteered when needed. He will be missed.
    Lorena Reimer

  • Ralph Hass says:

    Dear Irma, Norm and Karen,
    Ken was always there with a friendly greeting at Trinity.
    I’m also so glad our parents got to know eachother:)

  • Luigi Calvori says:

    My sincere condolences to Aunt Irma and the family. It was my privilege to know uncle Ken for close to 30 years through my wife, Lynne. What a dear, sweet man. He was always so positive, warm, and nonjudgmental. Truly, a gem.

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