On May 7, 2020, Ken Martin (aka Kennyboy) passed away at home in Brooks, Alberta, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loved ones and held his wife’s hand to the very end. He has left behind to treasure his memory: his wife Genie 52 years, daughters Deana (David) Mitchell, Heather (Tim) Cluett, and Pamela (Stéphane) Martel, as well as his three precious granddaughters Jersey, Lola and Camille. Ken is predeceased by his parents and sister Dinah, and survived by his sisters Alice and Doris, and brothers Eric, Howard and Ted. Kenmore Ralph was born on February 28, 1947 in Little Heart’s Ease, Trinity Bay, Newfoundland to Theodore Hanley and Annie Bertha (née Stringer). He grew up in Montreal until the age of 14 when the family moved back to Trinity Bay. It was in Burin, NL that he found his true heart’s ease, marrying Georgina Gertrude Williams in 1967, and building a house and home with their three girls. He built many things over the years, inheriting his love for working with wood from his father. He went on to teach carpentry and often spoke fondly of his students long after they graduated. And when life threw curve balls and jobs were scarce, he wasn’t too proud to trade his tool belt for an cook’s apron or a pair of coveralls. From feeding the crew on a fishing trawler to fixing the trawler when it came in for refit, Ken took great pride in everything he did. Ken was incredibly close to all three daughters. Though he was never blessed with a boy himself, he gained three sons-in-law whom he loved and admired as much as if they were his own. Ken’s accomplishments were many, but his greatest was his role as grandfather. Poppy, Pop, and Papy Ken were all names that he proudly earned and loved to hear. His pride and joy were his three granddaughters. He would move heaven and earth just to make them smile! To them, he was their hero and their idol. In them, he will live on. In 2006, Ken and Genie moved across the country to Brooks, Alberta, to be near their first grandchild. In this community, they found fellowship, and unwavering support in times of need. Ken truly loved his life here, finding friends whom he cherished, considering them family. He had many a good night out with his friends attending events in Brooks and Bassano, lots of dinner parties, events at church and, of course, road trips with his closest buds. He loved car shows and auctions as much as he enjoyed the company he was with while attending them! He spent many happy hours in his workshop, restoring antique furniture, making beautiful bowls and other creations. On days when the workshop became Ken’s Café, the cars lined the street, and the conversation could get lively, but what was said in the shed stayed in the shed. Witty and wise, Ken was a worthy adversary in any word game. He was an avid reader and loved learning new things. He also loved gardening, and even ‘farmed’ a piece of land on a good friend’s acreage while on kidney dialysis. An advocate of organ donation, he participated in many projects to support the cause. He laughed a lot, loved deeply, and handled his health challenges with grace to the very end. Ken was an active member of Brooks United Church and asked that any donations in his memory be made to the place that gave him more than this man of many words could ever express. In memory of Ken, if family or friend’s desire, memorial tributes may be made to Brooks United Church Memorial Fund at 507 3rd Avenue West
Brooks AB T1R 0B2. Memorial Service details will be made available once finalized. For further information, to order flowers or to send a message of sympathy, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.
