25 APRIL, 1940 – 19 MAY, 2023
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, gramps, great-gramps, brother, cousin and uncle – Ken Foster after a very heroic and determined battle.
Finally and peacefully, we said our goodbye on Friday, May 19, 2023.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 63 years, Sandra Patricia (Pat), his children Sandra and son-in-law Sheldon, Tracy, Denise, Roni and son-in-law Jake. His grandchildren, Brohdi, Christien, Steven and Hayley and his granddaughters-in-law Kjirsten and Shelby, his great-grandchildren Luca, Levi and Sawyer, and of course his favourite children – Bear and (predeceased by) Keiko and recently introduced to grandson Tyler and wife Kelti.
Ken was born April 25, 1940 in Hamilton, ON and later moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba at the age of 17 when he joined the army. Moving to Shiloh, MB for his training, he attended a wedding of mutual friends where he met his future wife and the love of his life Pat. In August of 1960, they married and moved to Burlington, ON where they welcomed their first born daughter Sandra. Less than a year later, they returned to Winnipeg to live with one of his favourite people – his mother-in-law Isabel, where they welcomed their second child Tracy.
Settling into their life in Winnipeg and raising their young family, Ken worked a variety of jobs until an opportunity arose to join the Canadian Centennial Caravan in 1967. This sparked his love of travelling, most specifically through Canada. In early 1968, they welcomed their third child Denise. Three short years later they welcomed their fourth and final child Roni. This growing brood settled into 96 Martin Avenue in the Elmwood community, there were hard times, lean times but all we take away are the good times - every Christmas when he would just relax and enjoy himself, summer camping at Birds Hill Park and family trips.
Ken was very involved in the Elmwood Community – coaching hockey, mentoring his players, organizing equipment swaps to ensure everyone had an equal opportunity to play the sport they loved. He became President of Kelvin Community Centre where he sat with authority behind his big oak desk and charmed the Bingo Ladies on Bingo night. His shining moment was organizing an appearance by the Golden Jet – Bobby Hull and members of the Winnipeg Jets to appear and sign autographs during the winter carnival. From 1973-1975 while holding the position as President of Kelvin Community Centre, he was also elected to the role of (the first) President with River East Minor Hockey Association.
He began his career as a Bus Operator with Winnipeg Transit June 1974. As a member of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Winnipeg Local 1505, he served as Union Steward, Recording Secretary and Vice President, prior to being elected as the General Executive Secretary of the ATU, Canadian Council in July 1983 which brought him back to Ontario. That role evolved to Canadian Director ATU Canadian Council and the very role he retired from in 2006. He was steadfast in his commitment to fair and equitable treatment and compensation of unionized members and he was well respected and revered on both sides of the table.
Upon his retirement Ken and Pat made the decision to winter in Texas where they spent 16 years enjoying life, focusing on hobbies such as woodworking/turning, golfing, making new friends and enjoying his nights listening to music at the bar and watching as many sports as possible. His involvement with the 7th Toronto Regiment Limber Gunners kept him busy when he got home from Texas.
A private family service has been held.
Arrangements entrusted to MacKinnon Family Funeral Home
Donations can be made in Ken’s honour to the Eastern Canada French Bulldog Rescue at https://ecfbrescue.com/about-us/donations/ and/or Hospice Wellington at https://www.hospicewellington.org/donate
Miss Me But Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little-but not too long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me - but let me go
For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all part of the Master's plan
A step on the road to home
When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds
Miss me - but let me go.