With family by his side, Kenneth Arthur Smith, aged 94, passed away on November 15, 2024, at the Dryden Regional Health Center.
Ken is survived by his loving wife, Elsie (Marshall); his daughters, Valerie (David Borlang), Leanne (Grant Jackson), Lisa (Mike Durocher), and Judy (Calvin Skene); his grandchildren: Jamie (Mark), Kari (Dustin), Cameron (Brittany), Marshall, Mackenzie and Sean (Morgan). He is also survived by his sister Jacqueline Ballance of Edmonton, as well as several nieces and a nephew. Ken was predeceased by his infant son Michael Arthur and his parents Frank and Dorothy Smith.
Ken was born in Winnipeg and moved to Neepawa at an early age. After leaving school Ken returned to Winnipeg and went into the plastering and stucco trade. In 1955, Ken married Elsie, sharing 69 years together. In 1958, the couple moved to Dryden, where Ken joined his father in the grocery business. His father trained Ken to become the store butcher. Ken took over the business in 1972 joining the IGA group and renaming the store Hillcrest IGA. Ken and Elsie managed the store together until 1990 when they decided to close the business and embrace retirement. Ken enjoyed many years of retirement doing what he loved best; golfing, tinkering in his shop and hooking up his 5th wheel and hitting the road with Elsie.
Ken was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose love for his family was evident in all he did. He and Elsie enjoyed many adventures together, cherishing each moment they spent with their loved ones. He enjoyed life in Dryden making many friends along the way.
The family thanks the doctors, nurses and staff at Dryden Regional Health Centre who cared for Ken during his short stay.
No person is ever truly alone.
Those who live no more,
Whom we loved,
Echo still within our thoughts,
Our words, our hearts.
And what they did
And who they were
Becomes a part of all that we are,
Forever.
Condolences(17)-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Previous Margaret Hando
Next Alice Marion
Lisa Lesage(Murdick) says
November 18, 2024 at 7:58 pmOur sincere sympathies to Val and Dave on the passing of your Dad. I remember him from the IGA when we would visit Gramma and Grandpa. He always greeted us and helped pick out penny candy.
Lori nicholson says
November 18, 2024 at 10:20 pmElsie, Val, Lea, Lisa, Judy and extended family,
So very sorry for your loss, Ken was a great man and I know he will be missed as a husband, dad and grandfather. I will always be thankful for the times he let me hang out at the camp, enjoy snowmobile rides and sleepover many a Friday night.
I am thinking of you all.
Lori (Reid as he liked to call me) and Tim Nicholson
dianne dunkeld nee Raslask says
November 19, 2024 at 9:16 pmso very sorry for your loss Elsie and family
friday night grocery shopping with my grandpa and grandma lott was the highlight of my week when I was a kid. I always got to pick out a treat.
so very sorry for your loss
Mary says
November 19, 2024 at 9:50 pmAh, Mr. Smith. I have so many wonderful memories of you and your warm smile, twinkle in your eyes and teasing spirit. A life well lived, sir! Now it’s time for a well-deserved rest. To Mrs. Smith, Val, Leanne, Lisa, my good buddy Judy, and the rest of your beautiful family, my heart goes out to all of you as you say goodbye to your loving husband, father, grandfather and above all a good man.
Much love,
Mary Lugli. xox
Linda McMahon says
November 20, 2024 at 5:59 pmTo Elsie and all of her beautiful family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you grief your loss of the most wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. With much love , Linda McMahon {nee Borlang}
Nancy Hilderman says
November 20, 2024 at 8:29 pmUncle David and Auntie Val and family
Keeping you in our warmest thoughts as you navigate this difficult time, sending love and prayers to you and your family. Always remember the special memories you all made together.
Love and Hugs, Nancy and Tim Hilderman
Dody Davis says
November 20, 2024 at 11:10 pmDear Elsie & family
Barry and I send our deepest sympathies for the immense loss of your beloved Ken. We sure enjoyed our Friday nights with the golf gang at Evergreen! Barry remembers that his very first job was at Hillcrest Grocery. Later we always shopped there and enjoyed our visits with Frank and Ken always smiling. 🤗 Barry & Dody Davis
Dody Davis says
November 20, 2024 at 11:13 pmDear Elsie & family
Barry and I send our deepest sympathies for the immense loss of your beloved Ken. We sure enjoyed our Friday nights with the golf gang at Evergreen! Barry remembers that his very first job was at Hillcrest Grocery. Later we always shopped there and enjoyed our visits with Frank and Ken always smiling. 🤗 Barry & Dody Davis
Ruby and Jake Jeske says
November 23, 2024 at 12:07 amElsie, and your girls, and all the family. Our heartfelt sympathy on your loss of Ken
Ruby and Jake Jeske says
November 23, 2024 at 12:07 amElsie, and your girls, and all the family. Our heartfelt sympathy on your loss of Ken
Marcy & Larry Lyle says
November 23, 2024 at 5:20 pmMrs. Smith and family,
We would like to send our sincere condolences to you all.
When we think of Ken we remember him to always have a smile on his face and his quick wit. He was always up for some conversation and teasing of course. It has been awhile since we spoke or seen him but we do remember him with fondness.
Thinking of you all.
Marcy & Larry Lyle
Julie Laderoute says
November 23, 2024 at 8:21 pmSo Sorry for the loss of your husband, Dad and Grampa. He was a vibrant part of North Dryden when we were growing up and will always be remembered with kind thoughts. Take care!
Julie
Laurie Church says
November 24, 2024 at 1:11 amElsie & family,
On behalf of the McDill family we send our condolences to all of you. My Dad (Don) talks so fondly of Ken and of the wonderful times they had over the years. I remember some of the fun times my parents, Phil & Carol, and you had!
May your memories offer you comfort and may Ken rest in peace.
Laurie Church says
November 24, 2024 at 1:12 amElsie & family,
On behalf of the McDill family we send our condolences to all of you. My Dad (Don) talks so fondly of Ken and of the wonderful times they had over the years. I remember some of the fun times my parents, Phil & Carol, and you had!
May your memories offer you comfort and may Ken rest in peace.
Chris Matthew says
November 24, 2024 at 10:20 pmI understand the emotions you are felling at this time as my mother, Barbara Matthew, passed away just last month. Darla and I will remember Ken fondly with his wry wit and dry sense of humor. Although we didn’t see him very often each time we did it was a great pleasure. To all his family my deepest sympathy and sincere condolences. Take care and be well.
Chris Matthew & Darla Robinson
Marjorie Zimmer says
November 26, 2024 at 4:31 amDear Elsie & family: So so very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Ken. We subscribe to the Wpg. Free Press and saw the notice there. Sending our most heartfelt condolences to all of you. Marjorie Zimmer (nee Drew) and Paul Jackson from Kenora, On. (niece of the late Marion Moore).
Brian C Bates says
December 16, 2024 at 9:42 pmI know this is late, but I felt it to be necessary to pass on my condolences, it was Bates and Smith that brought us all to Dryden. Our family in 1956 from Neepawa, your family earlier than that 1951? I do remember being very young my Grandfather Sid had rented the Johnson farm house up the hill from Thunder Lake and Frank and Dorothy had a cabin on the beach. Life went on and the Hilcrest store, was a North Dryden landmark. It was good to see Ken golfing later in my years in Dryden (2013-18) always a smile. He was a good man, and a pillar of the community. Again our condolences. Brian and Jo Anne Bates Winnipeg.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke's Anglican Church, 50 Van Horne Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 1C7 or a charity of your choice.
All Rights Reserved