Franklin, Kenneth Wesley
January 1, 1927- January 7, 2005
Ken passed away on January 7, 2005 at St. Joseph鈥檚 Hospi-tal, Comox, B.C. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Ruth; sons: Brian, Brent, (Shelly) and Bruce; and grandchildren: Cameron and Madison. Predeceased by brother Daniel (the day Ken was born), brothers Eric and Wilmer (Bill), sisters: Helen (Bowen), Evelyn (Thomson), and Doris (Lawrence/Schlemmer). He is survived by his sister, Winnifred Spence.
Ken was born in Vancouver, B.C., but upon the death of his father in 1932, his mother relocated the family to Union Bay. When his grandmother passed on, they moved to Courtenay where his mother helped operate the family Scottish Steam Hand Laundry on Alice Street. (Now 4th).
Ken had marvelous stories to tell of the big ships at Union Bay; his experiences delivering papers in the 鈥渨ilderness鈥� of Courtenay, and of making doors and windows at Inkster鈥檚 for twenty-five cents an hour until it closed for the duration of WWII. Being too young to enlist, Ken worked as a bricklayer鈥檚 assistant during the construction of Comox Air Base and then as a Merchant Marine, on the tugboat, 鈥淏urrard Chief鈥�.
Ken helped his brother Eric start 鈥淔ranklin Electric鈥� in 1946, which eventually became one of the major contractors in the Valley.
Ken and Ruth married on April 5, 1958; the day Ripple Rock was blasted. In 1960, he started his own business, 鈥淜en Franklin Electric鈥� and worked on post offices, schools, hotels, as well as local businesses and homes until his retirement in 1990.
Ken and Ruth treasured their family, grandchildren and friends. They enjoyed camping, golfing; and took several cruises and trips throughout Mexico, the United States, Great Britain and Canada. Ken was very creative; never short of projects. He loved his home and worked hard to enhance it. In addition to his electrical ability, he excelled in woodworking. Okay, he was outstanding!
Many thanks to Ken鈥檚, nieces, nephews, and friends who made his days special with their visits. Also to Home Care Nurses, and Dr. Regglar whose support was invaluable.
A gathering of friends and family will be held Saturday, January 15th at the Coast Westerly, 1 to 4 pm.
Piercy鈥檚 - Mt. Washington Funeral Home in care of arrangements.