Ken was born in Waldo, BC on July 15, 1926. He grew up in the Kootenays, working with his father at McGinnis Garage, and at the BC Forest Service before moving to Vancouver to do his teacher training at UBC. After teaching a year in Waldo, he accepted a position teaching at (then) Chilliwack Junior Secondary School (CJSS) and he lived in Chilliwack for the remainder of his life. It was during his first year of teaching that he married the love of his life, Lois. They would have celebrated their 62 anniversary on December 20, 2019.
Ken taught Industrial Education and Math--among other subjects over an almost 40 year teaching career at CJSS. When he retired, he taught a couple years at Highroad Academy. He was the guy who could fix anything, and prioritized family, friends, his faith, and his church. He was devoted to his wife and his children, and later, children in law, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Lois, his daughter Julie (Rick), grandchildren Connor, Jonas, and Dayna Lade, as well as his son’s children, Meg McGinnis, and Josh (Jodi) McGinnis, and great grandchildren Caleigh and Maecyn McGinnis. He was predeceased by his parents, Ruth and Bill McGinnis, sister Shirley, and his son, Dal.
Known to most as Poppa, he will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, wisdom, encouragement, and his ready laugh. Though he lived a long life and leaves an amazing legacy, his long life does not make his loss any easier. We will love you and miss you every day until we see you again dear Poppa.
Our family wishes to thank the staff at Chilliwack General Hospital and Eden Care Home for their loving care.
A celebration of life will be held Monday, December 23 at 1 pm at City Life Church, Chilliwack.
