Kenneth "Ken" Gushel

With sadness, we announce the sudden passing of Ken Gushel on January 11, 2024 at his home at age of 77 years.

Ken will be lovingly remembered by his wife Judy (nee Samels), daughter Charlotte (William) Mason, son Darcy Gushel; grandchildren Suzie (Layne), Alyssa (Braeden), and Les; great-grandchildren Evelynn and Dean; siblings Doris, Jim, Raymond (Sheila); sisters-in-law Carol Gusul and Karen Braden, brother-in-law Robert Samels (Therese Vermette) and his many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Ken was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Peter Gushel, father-in-law Murray Samels, mother-in-law Ann Duncan-Samels, brother Alex Gusul, sister-in-law Barbara Sanderson, brothers-in-law Bryan Sanderson and Dale Braden and nephew Bryan Sanderson Jr.

Ken was born, raised and spent his life in Portage. He attended North Ward School, Victoria School, Portage Collegiate Institute, Arthur Meighen High School and Assiniboine Community College. In his youth, he made many lifelong friends through his love of sports, especially baseball and hockey. He was happiest when he was outdoors fishing, hunting, canoeing, and in his later years golfing, riding his bike and growing the best tomatoes. Ken and Judy knew each other early in their lives, living in the east end of Portage and attending the same schools. They were married February 21, 1970 and soon started their family. Once the family was old enough, annual camping trips were organized to Blue Lake and St Ambrose. He and Darcy also went on many fishing trips, but the most memorable one was to the Pas along with great friends. Ken was very proud of his children and grandchildren and the lives that they built. He particularly enjoyed visits from the latest additions to the family, Evelynn and Dean.

The family would like to send heartfelt thanks to Dr. Felsch and Dr. Arbuckle for the care that Ken received. 

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 1:00 pm.  An interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery at a later date.

As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made in Ken’s memory to Central Plains Cancer Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave., Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 0K8 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1379 Kenaston Blvd, Winnipeg, MB, R3P 2T5.

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