In loving memory of Kenneth Earl Dunford
June 2, 1927 – May 27, 2007
With the loving support of his wife and family members, Ken passed into the presence of his Lord, now to sing with choirs of angels.
He is survived by Muriel, his devoted life-partner of 56 years; his daughters, Meredythe (Leslie) Broadway and Jillian (George) Milosevich; his sons Timothy (Sandra), Robin (Marion) and Darcy (RoxAnn) Dunford; grandchildren, Kenneth (Amanda) Broadway, David (Anna) Broadway, Jonathan Broadway, Michael and Elise Milosevich, Kieran, Rhys and Sydney Dunford, Scott and Steven Dunford, Drew and Nathan Dunford. He leaves seven great-grandchildren, Jonah and Reuben Broadway and Mikaylla, Nicholas, Zeara, Rebekah and Cecilia Broadway, as well as his many dear siblings, and extended family. Recently he has been predeceased by beloved relatives, Allan Simpson, Pat Poulton, and Bruce Hardy.
Ken moved with his parents from Alberta to Clearwater when he was sixteen, and delighted in discovering our rivers, hills and forests. At seventeen he enlisted in the Canadian Technical Training Corps which was preparing to enter WW II in the Pacific. However, the atomic bomb ended the war when Ken was eighteen, and he was sent home. That year of military experience remained very strong in his memories.
Back in BC, and with his talent for mechanics, he worked with heavy machinery, trucking, and eventually as a logging contractor with a crew, running his own “cats,”. skidders, feller-buncher and trucks.
In 1950 he married his long-time sweetheart, Muriel Poulton, and eventually had five young ones with whom to share his love of the natural world. Years out in the woods made him very knowledgeable in the geography of the North Thompson valley, its trees and wildlife. While the children were still at home, most weekends saw us out exploring with Dad, especially up the Clearwater River, over to the Mahood, climbing Raft Peak, and making the most of our wonderful natural heritage. He climbed the summit of Dunn Peak without us!
Ken’s lovely tenor voice brought pleasure in the community. Singing was a great joy for him, both in solo and choir. With an excellent memory he often sang without printed music as well as acapella. Several old friends have reminded us that Christmas was not complete unless they heard him sing “O Holy Night.” As well, his clever ventriloquism with “Corky” entertained many children’s and adult gatherings. His very last public solo, “Then came the Morning,” for the combined four churches this past Easter Sunday, was a beautiful and fitting farewell.
His faith in Jesus Christ was steadfast; his church family was important to him, as were his many other good friends. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, admiring its patriotism and comradeship. In earlier times he played hockey; then came years of enthusiastic carpet bowling, spending hours organizing our tournaments.
He read avidly, especially Canadian history. His own poems and stories about experiences in the hills flowed effortlessly. His honesty, work ethic, kindness and good humour made home and district a better place for all of us. He is sorely missed.
North Thompson Funeral Services is handling arrangements. Ken’s memorial gathering will be at the Legion, Sunday, June 10, at 2 p.m., Pastor Lloyd Strickland officiating with the help of Ken Ferguson.
Gifts to honour Ken Dunford might be made to the Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital, Clearwater, BC, or for needy kids to the Christian Children’s Fund of Canada, 1027 McNicoll Ave., Scarborough, ON, M1W 3C2.