KEN STUEBING

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

KEN STUEBING Peacefully on September 30, 2010, Ken passed away in his 93rd year in his home at the Deer Lodge Centre in Winnipeg. He is predeceased by Marie, his loving wife of 66 years. He is survived by his sons, Bill (Linda), Bob (Eileen) and his daughter Jane. His grandchildren, Emmy, Ken, Rob and Sarah were his pride and joy. Ken served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. Following his discharge, he joined Dowler's Men's Wear in Kitchener, his home town. In 1948, he joined Cluett Peabody Company as the Arrow Shirt representative for Northern Ontario and Quebec based in North Bay. In 1953, he transferred to Winnipeg where he represented the company in Manitoba and northwestern Ontario until his retirement in 1983. Under his watch, he ensured that Arrow Shirts were THE shirt of Winnipeg's best dressed gentlemen. Ken was also responsible for training Cluett's salesmen, and his trainees went on to successful careers in sales and management in the company. Ken loved his work where he made many good friends and colleagues. Ken was an active member of Fort Garry United Church for over 50 years. He was involved in many church activities from chairing a major building fund to serving as an Elder with Marie. He had a strong sense of community. He was a longtime member of the Fort Garry Rotary Club, serving as president in 1997 to 1998, and the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Khartum Shriners and was a 32 degree Mason. He also volunteered in the visiting friends program at Victoria Hospital. Ken's civic pride and organizational skills were evident when he was the driving force in forming the Winnipeg Massed Pipes and Drum Band which was larger than any other pipe band in Canada. He took the band to the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena in 1973 and 1974. In 1975, Ken was asked to sit on a committee of the Department of External Affairs to guide Canada's participation in the American Bicentennial celebrations. The first activity was on January 1, 1976 when the band led the Rose Bowl Parade. The band went on to represent Winnipeg internationally for many years. In 1977, the Province of Manitoba recognized Ken with the Good Citizenship Award for exemplifying a way of life that helps make Manitoba a better place for all in which to live. His civic pride extended beyond the Manitoba border when he was named the first honorary citizen of Thunder Bay in 1970. Ken was also awarded the keys to the cities of Pasadena, California and St. Petersburg, Florida. Ken was an active outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but was happiest on the links at Niakwa Golf and Country Club where he was a longtime member. Ken felt blessed because of his family, his avocation, the privilege to serve and the great gift of good friends. During Ken's last years, he was comforted by the kind and compassionate care of the staff at the Deer Lodge Centre, for which his family will always be grateful. A private family interment took place on Monday, October 4. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Fort Garry United Church, 800 Point Road on Thursday, October 28. If friends so desire, they may contribute to the Fort Garry United Church Building Fund in Ken's memory.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 23, 2010