Dr. Kenneth Donnelly

Dr. Kenneth Rowland Donnelly

Dr. Kenneth Rowland Donnelly (MD) passed away on Friday, February 1, 2015.  Ken was born March 13, 1929 in New Westminister BC to Percy and Connie Donnelly.  Ken lived in Burnaby for most of his life, eventually moving to Duncan’s Sunridge care facility September 2008.  Ken made many friends and was well liked by all in the short six and half years he was there.  Ken will be missed by family, friends and all those who knew him.  Ken was a “gifted” individual who never made it known, he “shined” from an early age not only excelling in school (earning scholarships regularly) but also earned many Piano awards and even played and was recorded with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.  After graduating from John Oliver High School in 1947 Ken enrolled at U.B.C. taking a fine arts degree in 1951, soon after was accepted into the U.B.C. Medical School graduating with an M.D. in 1955, after completing his residency at various hospitals in the Vancouver area he began an illustrious teaching career as an associate professor in the Dept. of Anatomy at U.B.C.  Ken taught Anatomy and Neuroanatomy to 1 ^st and 2 ^nd year Medical and Dental students as well as Medical Residents, Physiotherapists and Occupational therapists.  He was well respected amongst colleagues and students, the students would say: “when it came to Anatomy or Neuroanatomy, there was Dr. Donnelly … and then God” a compliment that he brushed off not thinking he was anything special, although we all knew he was.  Ken retired from teaching in 1994.  A celebration of Ken’s life has taken place in Vancouver, BC at St. Mary’s Church in Kerrisdale on June 27, 2015.  His wish was to be buried with his parents at Hillside Cemetery here in Portage la Prairie.

Family and friends are invited to a Graveside Service on Monday, July 13 at 11:00 am.  Please gather at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel at 10:45 am to proceed to Hillside Cemetery.  T he service will be led by Shirley McLaren.  A time to visit and share memories will follow in the Trimble Room of McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Dr. Ken Donnelly’s memory to a charity of your choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com