Kenneth William McKinley

McKINLEY _ Kenneth William, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2005 amid a room full of laughter, surrounded by his family who were sharing family stories. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years Evelyn, daughter Leanne (Guy), son John, cherished grandchildren Deena, Jarren, Jodika and Gabrielle, treasured nieces and nephews and many many wonderful friends. He was predeceased by his sister Mavis. A well-respected and admired man, he gave of himself in many different ways. He joined the RCAF in 1942. He became a registered Architect in 1950 and enjoyed a very successful career at Underwood, McKinley, Wilson and Smith in West Vancouver until retirement. Not really ready to retire, he moved to Saskatoon to continue his hospital work before finally retiring in 1988 with a move to Columbia Beach on Vancouver Island. Here, Ken and Ev enjoyed the quieter pace and the beauty of the Pacific Ocean. He was involved in Lawn Bowling and bridge clubs, especially the "Friday night boy's bridge", but his real passion was jazz and swing music. A drummer, he played with the "Big Band" in Vancouver from 1967-1987, and with the Parksville Community Band and Just Us from 1988 - 2000. He served on many committees and boards including the Children's Aid Society, Hollyburn Country Club and the Architectural Institute of BC. He was also Past President of the University Club of Vancouver and a director on the Nanaimo Regional Hospital Board. He loved to tell stories and was never short of a joke - he always made people laugh. Memorial services to be held at St. Anne's Church in Parksville on Wednesday, October 12 at 2pm. His warmth and smile will shine in our hearts always.