KENNETH WILLIAM EMSLIE

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KENNETH WILLIAM EMSLIE December 7, 1931 - April 4, 2018 Ken was born and raised in Winnipeg. His Austrian mother required his Scottish father to convert to Catholicism before their marriage, and thus Ken was raised as a Catholic. An alter boy and dutiful son, he grew up in the North End alongside his sister, Arlene. He attended St. Paul's High School, where he was a member of the football team, drama society and social club. He also performed in radio plays and excelled in public speaking. A fledgling orator, he was valedictorian in the class of 1948, by then a smart, athletic, handsome young man of 6'4". Charismatic, popular and full of promise, things came easy to him. Yet he faced obstacles. The Jesuits who ran St. Paul's and also his future father-in-law offered to pay for his university education. However, his mother insisted that Ken to go to work for the family's benefit, so he turned down the offers of his willing benefactors. Times were different. After high school, Ken was hired by Universal Printers. After that his father was transferred to Yorkton, SK, where Ken worked as a printer at the Yorkton Enterprise, the local newspaper. He later returned to Winnipeg and, on May 9, 1953, married his longtime girlfriend, Frances (nee Hallick). Thereafter Ken continued his way in the printing industry, where he spent the better part of his working life. He quickly entered the management side of the business and ultimately owned Brigden's Of Winnipeg Ltd. The company flourished for years, preparing the graphic arts for and printing all manner of things, from Hudson Bay flyers to the White Pages, Yellow Pages and Eaton's mail order and Christmas catalogs. At his corner office on the top floor of the Sidney I. Robinson Building on Vaughan Street in downtown Winnipeg, he was often visited by people in the printing industry, salesmen from related industries, representatives of his clientele and even policemen on the beat. They came either to talk business or just share a story, with a laugh and a tipple. He made time for everyone. He liked to receive people. That's how business was done, how relationships were built, in those days - especially in the printing industry. He was uncommonly kind to some employees and intolerant of bullying or overbearing middle management within his company. A few people took advantage of his largesse. He could easily be persuaded to part with his Jets and Blue Bombers season tickets and did so far more often than he attended the games himself. He loaned money to cronies in need, and some never paid him back. He hosted many more times than he was hosted. He didn't care. He lived large. He liked being the big dog. At times he was compared to John Wayne, Errol Flynn and Frank Sinatra, although paradoxically he could not ride a horse, fence or sing a note. Ken admired those larger-than-life personas in his youth and later shared some of their better (and lesser) qualities. When he entered a room, people noticed - and not just because of his imposing size. He had style. He was infectiously mischievous, a lovable rascal, and he stayed young at heart. At one point during Brigden's heyday, to fulfill a childhood dream, on a lark he opened a candy store in the middle of Polo Park, the (doomed) Candy Caper. It was a financial disaster and did little more than provide candy and employment to a few relatives and other young people, but again he didn't care. He didn't let too many things bother him. That was part of his character. He shrugged off his losses as nonchalantly as he accepted his victories. Throughout the years Ken enjoyed the company of his wife's large family, where he made best and lifelong friendships. He and Frances entertained frequently in their home, where good times were had around the roaring fireplace, the big bar, a sporting event, old jokes, pranks and endless stories. He was Godfather to many nieces and nephews, later the uncle frequently asked to give the toast to the bride or groom at family weddings and, later still, often the person called upon to deliver eulogies. At Brigden's he hired young people in his extended family or called in favours to find jobs for them. He was generous to his friends, church and charities. Ken was predeceased by his parents, William Kenneth and Anne Catherine (nee Trager); his sister Arlene and her husband Leonard Danchak; his nephew Glenn William Danchak; and on his wife's side of the family, more in-laws, nieces and nephews than you can shake a stick at, too many to name, but no less cherished and never forgotten. Ken is survived by his wife of 64 years, Frances; his daughter Jane (Brad); his sons, William (Marianne) and John (Amanda); his nieces, Linda Danchak and Karen Danchak-McNamara; and on his wife's side, once again, many beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews, spread far and wide, too many to name individually. Ken's family reiterates their gratitude for the extraordinary kindness and care afforded to him by the compassionate staff at Misericordia Place, where he spent his last years, always ready to flash a smile and crack a well worn joke. He didn't remember every person who visited him there, but he always pretended to do so and greeted them cheerfully. Private family gatherings have taken place to celebrate Ken's life, and a larger scale celebration will be arranged for this summer. In lieu of flowers, anyone so inclined may make a donation to the Misericordia Health Centre Foundation or to a charity of their choice. Ken, may the Lord keep you in his hand, and never close his fist too tight on you. You will be missed. As you once said at the funeral of your brother-in-law Ted, it won't be the same without you.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 12, 2018