Ken MANARY

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MANARY: Ken Manary was born April 21, 1948 and passed away August 9, 2013, suddenly at home, with his wife by his side. Ken was born in Erickson and spent the first 11 years in Onanole. His mom was a young widow who started a teacher’s career to make a life for her two young sons. They moved to Winnipeg and Ken hated the city and truly never forgave her, knowing she made the move to support them. As a young man, he had various jobs and started working for MTS, first as a machinist, and the last 15 years as the technician at the MTS Phone Centre in Brandon, making it a 32 year career. Ken was known for taking good care of “his girls”. When they needed help, they knew they could count on him. He took an early buyout in February, 1998. In July Ken and his best friend Ronnie Stitt were on a country cruise, and noticed this place “for sale”. We went to look at it and bought it in August. He found the place of his dreams in the R.M. of Clanwilliam. The country boy was finally at home. As a young boy, Grandpa Simon Pollon started to read to him and was an avid reader the rest of his life. His favorite magazine was National Geographic. Ken was a true hunter and loved the first week of deer hunting season. He shot many a buck over the years. He loved guns and knives and had quite a collection. He taught Karen how to hunt, she taught him how to fish. When they moved to the country they spent many a day walking hand in hand, which they did from day one, walking the country roads. They both loved nature, the beauty of the peace, serenity, quietness and fresh air. He said there never was a bad day in the country. You always knew when Ken was at the Gold Nugget for coffee, he loved to talk and did plenty of that. When they moved to Erickson he worked at the waste disposal site. He was hired for a three month position and lasted seven years until his health failed and he had to go on permanent disability. He loved the job and everyone who came there was “his customer”. I don’t think there ever was one complaint about him. Ken had health problems most of his life. He was a fighter, this time he lost the fight. He was a kind, gentle mannered man, but don’t ever cross him, as you found out he did have a temper. He married the love of his life, soulmate and best friend, Karen. They eloped to Winnipeg and were married on December 31, 1984. It was -40 below. I guess it just added to the beauty of the day. Predeceased by his father Alex Manary, step-father Carl Benson, brothers-in-law Harley Bold, Tommy Podruski, sister-in-law Patsy King, and true loyal friend Barry Scott. Survived by his wife Karen, mother Ina Benson of Winnipeg, brother Dave (Lucy) Manary of Thompson. Rest in peace my loveYou will be dearly missed by your wife, familyand host of friends.

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 31, 2013