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KENNETH JAMES PEARN  Obituary pic

KENNETH JAMES PEARN

Date of Passing: Aug 06, 2013

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KENNETH JAMES PEARN Tragically on August 6, 2013, Ken passed away at age 66. Ken lived all of his life in St. James, graduating from Silver Heights Collegiate and the University of Manitoba (Honours History). After a stint at teaching, he entered the Construction Contracting business. He was President of the Winnipeg Construction Association in 1998. He was also President of the Manitoba Post Polio Association for several years. Ken was interested in all sports, particularly rugby. He was a founder of the Sturgeon Creek Rowdies RFC and was inducted into the Manitoba Rugby Hall of Fame in 2011. Ken was predeceased by his mother Evelyn Florence Pearn, and survived by parents Jim and Vivienne Pearn, sisters Carolyne (Bob), Patricia (Brian), very special friend Mary Ann Gibson, six nephews and numerous cousins, friends and colleagues. Funeral Services to be held Thursday, August 15, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at "Thomson in the Park" funeral home, 129 McGillivray Blvd, Winnipeg, MB. Family interment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke or Canadian Diabetes foundations.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 12, 2013

Condolences & Memories (22 entries)

  • Ken Your gruff but sincere and passionate love for the game of Rugby began a long and rewarding journey from my emerging as a graduate of Westwood Collegiate in 1985. I have memories imbedded in my character of the friendships forged on the field of play that I’m now passing on to my eldest son Jakob in Selkirk as he starts his Rugby journey. You were a coach, a mentor, a friend, a father like figure. You valued all contributions no matter how small or unskilled. You were warm and welcoming. RIP and thanks for the memories. Chris Dainard - Posted by: Chris Dainard (Rugby Player) on: Jun 05, 2022

  • Ken was the founder of the Rowdies Rubgy Club in my mind and he will be truly missed by all in the rugby community that knew him. He was such a promoter of women's rugby as well and put money out of his own pocket to have photos made and posted at Maple Grove of the women to make Canada's National Women's World Cup team both from the Rowdies and the Wasps. He always had a big hug ready for you and as lately as this SNAFU greeted me with a huge smile a hug and a "Hi there Kiddo". I am proud to have known him and so sorry I missed his memorial service. - Posted by: Corinne Enns (Friend) on: Aug 27, 2013

  • I first met Ken in 1979, when he was Glen’s rugby coach. After Glen and I married and moved to Vancouver, we kept in contact with Ken through phone calls and emails, and the occasional visit. He truly was one of the good guys - while on the outside he gave the impression of a tough, gruff man, on the inside, he was kind, generous and always wanted to do the right thing. Smart, funny and occasionally politically incorrect, he was, above all else, compassionate and dependable. Take care, you old goat, I miss you already. - Posted by: Jeannine Webb (Friend) on: Aug 25, 2013

  • I was very sad when I heard about Ken. My deepest condolences to his family. I met and shared a friendship with Ken starting in grade 5 when Silver Heights opened its doors. We were usually in the same class all through school. I left after grade 12 to move to Calgary. I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Ken since the high school reunion a few years ago. I Always enjoyed our talks at the monthly mini reunions at silver heights restaurant (when I could fly in). Ken was always such a kind man, a true gentleman. - Posted by: Norma mcColl (Friend) on: Aug 24, 2013

  • I was friends with ken's sister Patti. I was even around when his mom passed away which was a long long long time ago. I wish I could have seen him again. I wonder what took him so suddenly. I thought of him as Patti's little brother but I see that he was only 2 years younger than me. Carol Tomes ness sommerfield - Posted by: Carol tomes (sommerfield) (Old s hook frien) on: Aug 22, 2013

  • My condolences to the family. - Posted by: June Wilson (Friend) on: Aug 19, 2013

  • It is very sad to hear of Ken's passing. I enjoyed working with Ken, and he will be missed. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Kim Halipchuk (Member of Winnipeg Construction Association) on: Aug 16, 2013

  • Ken and I also shared the passion of rugby-since almost 30 years ago when he was my coach on the women's side, too. He was a big man in many ways-big heart, big hugs, big wit and a big supporter of many young men and women. Back then, our team was pummeled a lot, but from Ken we learned the significance of "losing battles but winning wars". So under his wing, we kept getting back up, survived, and later thrived as the third women's side in the city. Thank you Ken. You gave us so much more than you ever accepted. - Posted by: Janice Fingler (Friend) on: Aug 15, 2013

  • My condolences go out to Ken's family. I met Ken at the rugby hall of fame dinner and am proud to say I am a rowdie as well as my wife who had known Ken for much longer. I was very happy to catch up with Ken when he was at maple grove on Sunday. He was in good spirits as he watched the rowdie women win the final game at snafu. I will not be able to make the ceremony today but again my condolences for the family. - Posted by: Glen Hawker (Acquaintance ) on: Aug 15, 2013

  • Ken was one of the truly good guys in the construction industry. He will be sorely missed by those of us who had the pleasure of working with him. - Posted by: Marc Ouimet (Business Associate) on: Aug 15, 2013

  • My condolences to the family. I met Ken at Sansome during his teaching days and we would meet, and catch up with our lives, usually at a shopping centre. I will miss you Ken! Blessings. - Posted by: Diedrich Toews (Fellow teacher and Friend) on: Aug 15, 2013

  • We lived next door to Ken on Berry St. He was a wonderful man. It was very tragic what happened. My heart goes out to the family. My condolences. It was always nice chatting with Ken over the backyard fence with his dogs beside him. We will really miss him. - Posted by: Karen and Bernie Lewis (Friends) on: Aug 14, 2013

  • I have many fond memories of Pat, Lynn and Ken growing up on Whytewold. My deepest sympathies. Art Baker - Posted by: Art Baker (Friend) on: Aug 14, 2013

  • My sister married into this family so I have known the Pearn/Mackay families for a long time. Ken was always kind (even with the usual "dig" included in the exchange) when we met - either at a family function, or somewhere out and about - i.e.. the University of Winnipeg or Sal's. His witty, dry sense of humour followed him wherever he went. Jacqueline and I wish to express our most sincere condolences to his parents (Jim and Viv Pearn) and his entire family. We uphold you in prayer! - Posted by: James Hiebert (Family Friend) on: Aug 14, 2013

  • I am in shock just hearing the news that Ken has passed. Ken was not just a coach to me but also a life mentor. His guidance both on and off the rugby pitch helped me immensely. I will miss you Ken and will keep you in my thoughts.... RIP my friend - Posted by: Leo Arrigo () on: Aug 13, 2013

  • Ken married my mother Susan in 1978 and even though they divorced he remained a powerful force in both our lives. For the next 36 years was the only real Dad I ever had. He was there through thick and thin. Always ready to offer advice, help, a smack when required :). The absolute best dad a girl ever had. A devastating loss to all who knew and loved him. I will always remember the lessons he taught me especially to have respect for everyone regardless of their position in life or your personal feelings about them. There isn't enough space to adequately convey what Ken meant to me...except thank you for coming into my life...I love you Dad and will miss you always. - Posted by: Dawn Brown (Step-Daughter) on: Aug 13, 2013

  • I have many fond memories growing up with Lynn, Pat and Ken on Whytewold Road. My deepest sympathy. Art Baker - Posted by: Art Baker (Friend) on: Aug 13, 2013

  • Rest in eternal peace Uncle Kenny. I remember all the laughter and fun times when I was little and am so glad I was able to see you and the family in April! My heart goes out to Grampa & Gramma, Aunt Lyne & Bob, and Aunt Pat & Brian and the rest of the family. I'll be with you in spirit and sending prayers of peace and comfort on Thursday. Love and Hugs Lisa xo - Posted by: Lisa & Harrison Mackay (Niece) on: Aug 13, 2013

  • Met Ken when he was our High School Rugby Coach back in 1976. Ken, Jamie Deacon, Tom Johnson and myself founded and had the first meeting of the minute's to founding of the Mens Club Team Known as the Sturgeon Creek Rowdies. Ken was the person who chose me as the very first team captain of this team and also put me in as the scrum half. Ken had a knack of putting the right people in the right position on the pitch. Ken in only our third year as a team lead us to the Provincial Champions and also recruited two New Zealanders named Jeff and Steve, and boy did they sure know how to play. Well I guess God needed you up there to coach/play. We will see you again Ken, by far the best coach I've ever had in the many sports I have played and you will be surely missed. - Posted by: Timothy Buzunis (friend) on: Aug 12, 2013

  • I met Ken over 25 years ago and we bonded over football talk and a mutual love of the Yankees. We kept in touch over the years and never missed a birthday call on Feb 18th (our mutual birthdays). His Grey Cup chili & Boxing Day open houses were always a highlight!! I was honoured to call him a friend. RIP Ken - Posted by: Cheryl Saper (friend) on: Aug 12, 2013

  • I first encountered Ken when he was coaching our arch-rival school's rugby team. We had a 'pleasant disagreement' over a call as he stood on the sidelines and I jogged down the field. He almost came onto the field to continue our conversation. A few months later, a few friends of mine that played rugby for him called me to ask if I wanted to join a new club. I said I'd be happy to......and Ken and I were good friends for the next 35 years. So many stories, so little time. RIP Kenny, it just won't be the same without you. - Posted by: Jim Beatty (Friend) on: Aug 12, 2013

  • My heartfelt condolences to Jim and Viv, Lyne and Bob and Pat and Brian at the loss of their son and brother. Remember the happy times you spent together and cherish those memories. - Posted by: Marilyn Mackay (sister in law) on: Aug 12, 2013

Thomson In the Park Funeral Home and Cemetery

Thomson In the Park Funeral Home and Cemetery

1291 McGillivary Blvd. (Map)
Ph: 2049251120 | Visit Website

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