VAN DYKE, Ken

November 1, 1948 — April 16, 2022

It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of Ken Van Dyke, surrounded by family, on April 16, 2022, at 73 years of age.

Ken was born and raised in Meadow Lake, SK. He grew up enjoying all sports, but excelled in football, hockey, and getting into trouble during high school. He followed his family to Kelowna in 1970, after spending a short time in Swift Current, SK. He began his career in Power Engineering at Kelowna General Hospital in 1971, following in his Grandfather and Father’s footsteps. He retired in 2009 with his 2nd Class ticket but did not like retirement very much, always saying he was between jobs!! He went on to work for Tolko Industries until retiring again in 2012. During his career he spent 16 years with the British Columbia Dragoons (1971-1987) releasing at the rank of Warrant Officer. He spent 13 years as an Auxiliary Constable with the RCMP (1976-1979 and 1988 -1999) and was a member of the first RCMP bike patrol in Kelowna. He drove Kelowna Transit for a number of years and found fulfillment in all these extra activities.

Ken met Judi Heinricks when he was in Swift Current in 1969 and enticed her to come to BC in 1974. They were married in 1977 and had two sons, Ian (1982) and Jeffrey (1984). He was very proud of his sons, their accomplishments, and their families. His sons always knew he was in their corner and would fight giants for them.

Ken was the strong, silent type with a sense of humour, a tender heart, and an interest in people and their stories. He had a way of drawing people into conversation. He was a loyal friend, devoted husband and proud father. He had a strong work ethic, which he passed on to his sons. He enjoyed reading newspapers.  He liked John Wayne movies, TCM and action movies. He enjoyed B.B. King, Eric Clapton and Colin James’ music. He was interested in current events and politics, military history and airplanes and coffee with friends he made at Tim Horton’s. He enjoyed travelling and visited Europe, Ireland, Hawaii, Bahamas, Alaska and took his sons to Disneyland.

Ken was predeceased by his parents, Alvin (Ruby) and Anne. He will be sorely missed and dearly remembered by his wife Judi; his sons Ian (Julia) and Jeffrey (Elyse); and grandchildren Simon, Henry, Hanna, Theo, and Lennox. He is also survived by his brother Dallas (Sheila); his sister Eileen (David); 4 nieces; 1 nephew; and 9 grandnieces and nephews. His large “in-law” family, who overwhelmed him at first, will remember him fondly.

My husband, my friend, my everything has passed away
Your life was full of loving deeds
Forever thoughtful of my needs
Today and tomorrow, my whole life through,
I will always love and cherish you.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at 10:30 AM in Kelowna Community Church of the Salvation Army, 1480 Sutherland Ave. We ask you to wear a mask, please.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Society of BC or The Salvation Army.

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

Service Details

The service for VAN DYKE, Ken is scheduled for Saturday, April 30, 2022, at 10:30 AM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Kelowna Community Church of the Salvation Army

1480 Sutherland Ave Kelowna, BC

Phone:

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Special Requests:

Please wear a mask

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Funeral Pointers: