Kenneth Larkins

It is with great sadness we regret to announce the sudden passing of Ken Larkins, on October 23, 2021 at Portage District General Hospital at the age of 75 years.

Ken will lovingly be remembered by his two sons, Scott (Marla), Craig (Chris); grandchildren Turner, Jace and Skye; siblings, David (Dianne) Larkins, Ronald Larkins, Robert (Carol) Larkins, Donna (Kevin) Mason, Valerie Orr, Debbie (Ron) Garnham, Alice (Garry) Godfrey, Heather (Drew) Stobie, Norma (Albert) Larkins, Keith (Debbie) Larkins, Marjorie (Cam) Larkins, Brenda (Donnie) Little; brother-in-law Charlie Hollohan; also left to cherish his memory are numerous, nieces, nephews relatives and friends.

Ken was predeceased by his loving wife Eileen Larkins; parents Donald and Ethel, siblings Linda and Bryan, sisters-in-law Audrey Larkins and Anne Tuckett, brothers-in-law Bill Flynn, Ken Orr and Brian Tuckett.

Ken was born December 11, 1945 in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. He was the second eldest of 15 siblings. Ken lived most of his life on the family farm, where he learned the value of hard work. Hunting was a big part of living on the farm, but it was not something Ken enjoyed. In fact he could often be seen waving his arms behind his father’s back hoping to scare away the animals as his father took aim.  As a young adult Ken left the family Farm to pursue employment in Winnipeg. During his time in Winnipeg he met Eileen Frew. They fell in love and were married on July 21 1975. In 1976 Eileen gave birth to their first son Kenneth Scott. A year later they packed up and moved out west to Regina. In Regina Ken enjoyed working at Chicken on the Run and being in the restaurant industry. In 1979 Ken and Eileen welcomed their second son Craig into the world. It was also during their time in Regina that Ken and Eileen began to cheer for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, even dressing the boys in Riders gear (something they deny to this day). Ken loved Regina and made numerous friends whom he stayed in contact with throughout the years. But having the majority of both their families in Manitoba they decided in 1984 to head back to Winnipeg. Ken found employment at Red Carpet Coffee vending company, where he worked until the company closed. He worked various jobs over the years but always found joy working for Chicken Delight. Ken retired from Pallisser furniture, but continued to manage the Chicken Delight in Transcona for many years until he finally retired fully. In retirement Ken enjoyed the extra time he was able to spend with his grandkids and could often be found catching up with friends over coffee. As the kids got older Ken would always try to get to all there sporting events and school functions. He could often be heard cheering from the crowd at the kids games.

Ken loved sports including football, hockey and especially curling. He even got into the Raptors basketball playoffs. His passion was football though and would attend Grey Cup parties every year with good friends. Anyone that knows Ken, will fondly remember his epic dance moves at socials, and weddings, often taking over the dance floor! Ken was an entertainer and loved to make people laugh. He was a jokester and loved to get people going, especially his niece Susan. Ken had his own language that nobody could seem to replicate or understand, except maybe his pets and other animals. This language was not only used around family members, but sometimes it would come out when trying to order a sub from Subway or anywhere in public really. Often to the confusion from the person serving him and met by laughter with those around him.

Ken loved dogs and anywhere he lived there was always a dog around. When Eileen passed away suddenly in 2018, Ken found himself lonely and he filled that loneliness with his beautiful dog Ella. Ken had a special bond with dogs and was given the nickname the Dog Father, as dogs would gravitate to him. The last few years Ken found himself back to where his life started in Portage la Prairie. He moved in with his sister Debbie and her husband Ron in their home at Delta beach. Ken and Ron would spend hours chatting and always had visitors stopping by. Moving back to Portage la Prairie, Ken was able to reconnect with many friends he hadn’t seen in years. He was so happy and Ron, Debbie and family were happy to have him.

A private family viewing was held in Portage la Prairie. A memorial service will take place in Winnipeg at a later date; information will be added once available.

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