Kenneth Blight

Kenneth Rae Blight

December 14, 1933 - May 7, 2013

With his family by his side, Ken Blight passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at Health Sciences Centre at the age of 79 years.

Left to cherish Ken`s memory is his best friend and Wife, Shirley. He was a loving and devoted father to Pat (Tracy), Pam (Darren), and Todd (Heather). He was a "perfect" Grandpa to Taylor, Brodie, Tanner, Ethan, Braden, Lauren and Lane.

He will be missed by his special brother Don (Doreen), sister-in-law Verna Blight, brother-in-law Don McCulloch, sister-in-law Iris Blight, brother-in-law Bob Larcombe (Irene), sisters-in-law Donna Friesen (Dick) and Audrey McGimpsey (Tom) as well as many nieces and nephews and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Les and Florence, brothers Floyd and George, sisters Shirley and Beth (Bill).

Ken was born on December 14, 1933 at Oakville, Manitoba, where his love of farming and sports began with his parents and siblings. Ken`s love of sports led to the rink in Poplar Point where he met a young teacher who became his wife of 55 years. In the early years Ken farmed with his brother and has continued to this day to farm with his sons Pat and Todd which allowed him to be with them everyday.

His daughter, Pam, was the apple of his eye and if he wasn`t going to see her, he always made the morning phone call to see what her plans were for the day. A day was never missed.

Grandpa`s love of farming was in the process of being passed on to the next generation to his grandchildren. They heard many stories as they check the fields with Grandpa.

Ken`s love of sport brought him to being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Baseball Hall of Fame. Throughout the years he was the proudest fan of his children and grandchildren as they played hockey and baseball.

Ken and Shirley enjoyed many trips together seeing new places and making new friends. Dad was most happy when our family was together at home or at the cottage when everybody was laughing, playing and having "discussions" .

A special thank you to all who helped us through the last few days, the 911 Operator, Constable Sammoun, the paramedics, Dr. Mand and Kathy Hogue, the staff at Portage Hospital, Dr Kumar and staff at Health Sciences Centre.

A celebration of Ken`s life will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2013, at the Oakville Skating Rink at Centre Ice at 1:30 pm, led by Rev. Beth Kerr.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Ken`s memory to the Oakville & District Community Endowment Fund, P.O.Box 1153, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3J9.

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