Ken was born in Assiniboia, a fourth son for Shirley & John Mayes. At the time of his birth, the family resided NE of Assiniboia on a mixed farm. Besides growing grain, they had pigs, chickens, and a huge garden. The boys had lots of room to roam around and play. In 1973 the family moved into Assiniboia and he started school. In 1975 they moved into a new house that John built.
Of course “brothers will be brothers” and Wes has this memory: “One day Ken was laying on the floor, and Wes “dropped” his arm that had a cast on it, onto Ken’s back.” Wes never said how hard that arm was dropped, but he admits that Ken was not impressed at all. Keep in mind that Ken was about 10 years older than Wes so it was likely a very scary moment when he realized what he did. Ken likely needed a lot of patience to tolerate his younger sibling, and the proof is that…. Wes lived to tell about it!
Ken played a little hockey in his younger days but before long he decided to quit. He knew that he was a big kid, and he did not want to see the smaller kids get hurt by him in any way.
On Dec 21, 1983, when Ken was only 16 years of age, his dad passed away at the age of 52 years. The funeral was on Christmas Eve. The family continued to live in Assiniboia.
During his school days, Ken worked part time for Gulf-Petro Canada. After Ken left school, he went to Brandon and began working with a paving company. While there, he met Lindy Czech, and they were married in 1996. Ken had one son, Christopher Kenneth, born on 16 June 1998. Ken was very proud of his son, loved him unconditionally, and deeply treasured any time they spent together or contact by phone. He often voiced regret that they didn’t spend more time together.
After he left Brandon he got a job with BLS ASPHALT & CONSTRUCTION in Regina. He worked for that company until his passing. He was either paving, or helping to repair and maintain the machinery.
The Eagles Club in Regina was one of his favourite places to hang out with friends. He supported any charities that they sponsored & also played in a Pool League there.
Ken did not like the cold, probably more so than the rest of us. Over time he grew so used to working long hours in the heat with hot asphalt. In the last few years, Ken loved taking winter holidays in warmer climates. In fact, he had just booked a trip back to Puerto Vallarta the day before his passing.
To best describe Ken, let it be said that he was definitely a free spirit, and a very private man. He cared deeply about his family & friends and visited on many occasions. When Wes & Joann’s kids were young, they called him Uncle Ice Cream, as he would take them in his car to go for ice cream. Marlene Hawkins, his best friend’s mother, will always remember that Ken had the time to stop and visit with her. She also mentioned that he made good cabbage rolls. Well Marlene….Wes has added to your story by saying “But he always took the cabbage off…he NEVER ate the cabbage! So did he ever REALLY EAT cabbage rolls?”
And speaking about his car and going for rides… Wow! He had so much pride in that car, and he would always make sure it was so clean. Did you know that he would wash it when he arrived in Assiniboia from Regina? And then when he got back to Regina he would wash and shine it up all over again!!
A poem by Maia Padua-
IN EVERY SADNESS AND HAPPINESS;
GOD KNOWS THE REASON
EVERY TEAR IN OUR EYES,
EVERY SMILE IN OUR LIPS
IN EVERYTHING WE FEEL
GOD KNOWS THE REASON
EVERY PATH WE TAKE
IN EVERY JOURNEY WE GO
EVERY PERSON WE MET.
IN LIFE’S DESTINY
OF FAILURE AND SUCCESS
OF LIFE AND DEATH
GOD KNOWS THE REASON
Your last journey is over, Ken. Rest in Peace. You are loved and will be forever missed by your family and friends.
Predeceased by father John, brothers Garry, Bryan and Gerald, niece Leanne, nephew Travis, he is survived by his mother Shirley, son Christopher, brothers Stan (Linda), and Wes (Jo-Anne), nephew Carter, nieces Jaden and Rayle. FUNERAL SERVICE was held Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Ross Funeral Chapel, 123 4th Ave. East, Assiniboia, SK. Following the Interment at Mount Hope Cemetery, family invite all to fellowship and lunch at the 55 Club. Donations in Memory of Ken may be made to the Saskatchewan Heart & Stroke Foundation. Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rossfuneralservice.com for the Mayes family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18