Kenneth 'Ken' Lawrence Black

With sadness we announce, Kenneth “Ken” Black passed away on August 7, 2024 at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 90 years.

 He will be lovingly remembered by daughter Katja (Arden) Black of Calgary, AB with granddaughter Shayna Wagner-Black, daughter Germaine (Jeff) Black of Delta Beach, MB with grandson Oliver Draper-Black, brother Ian (Starr) Black of Sanford, MB, special friend Gussie Ellis of Edmonton, AB; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Kenneth was predeceased by his wife Heidi Black, parents Russell and Elsie Black, brothers Keith Black and Ron Black and in-laws Paul and Anna Betsch.

 Dad was born on February 17, 1934 in Portage la Prairie, MB, to Russell and Elsie Black. He spent his childhood years on a farm outside of Westbourne, MB. He loved to talk about his years on the farm – the harsh winters, the hard work, and the good times shared with his three brothers - Keith, Ron and Ian. 

 At the age of 18 he hitchhiked to Moose Jaw, SK and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force where he served as an airplane mechanic until his retirement in 1977. Dad was very proud that the farm boy from Manitoba was able to travel the world and often spoke about his “around the world trip” which gave him the opportunity to visit exotic places like Hong Kong and Guam. During his time in the Air Force, Dad was stationed in Moose Jaw, Trenton, France, Germany and Portage la Prairie, where he eventually retired.  

While Dad was stationed in Germany, he met our mother, Heidi, to whom he was married from 1969 until her death in 2017. According to the people who knew them at the time, Dad first saw Mom in a bar in Dusseldorf and it was love at first sight.  

Mom and Dad were blessed with two daughters, Katja and Germaine, early in their marriage. Dad was very proud of his family and his three “girls” meant everything to him.  

After Dad retired from the Air Force, he worked for Edmondson Chev Olds and at the Royal Canadian Legion from where he finally fully retired in 1989.  

Dad spent his retirement years with Mom camping at Margaret Bruce Beach, spending time with friends, and enjoying time with his grandchildren, Oliver and Shayna. His grandchildren will fondly remember Opa for his “Opa milkshakes”, breakfasts with enough bacon to feed an army, and amazing roast beef dinners. After Mom passed, Dad was fortunate to find companionship with his special friend, Gussie.  

As Dad aged and his mobility declined, he was given a new lease on life when Veteran’s Affairs provided him with a scooter. Dad loved nothing more than to be out “scootering”. He and his scooter became a familiar sight about Portage as he was frequently out visiting his many “girls” about town. Thank you to all those people who welcomed his visits 😊  

Dad had a great sense of humour and a kind heart. He was an avid storyteller and loved to talk about his experiences on the farm and in the Air Force. He loved Portage and could paint a picture of Portage from the days when the streets were mud and people still used horses and sleds to travel. We expect that he is now with mom, telling her stories about the last 7 years, and mom in her typical fashion, will be smiling and rolling her eyes at him.  

We would like to thank the medical staff at Portage General Hospital who were so kind to Dad in the time that he was there and made sure that he always had a warm blanket and a smile. We would also like to thank the Home Care staff who were so good to him while he was recovering at home. We are grateful for all the friends and family who were frequent visitors while he was recovering at home and in the final weeks at the hospital. 

Dad, Opa - You will be missed.  

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at Royal Canadian Legion Branch #65, 275 Duke Ave, Portage la Prairie, MB on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 2:00 pm. A private interment will take place Evergreen Memorial Gardens.  

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Ken’s memory to Central Plains Cancer Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8. 

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