Kenneth Charles Mantin

Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on April 10, 1936, Ken was the son of the late John and Gladys (Bauld) Mantin. He was the beloved husband of Betty (Regan), who he married in 1958, sharing 59 years of marriage.

Ken was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who took great pride in his family. Alongside a busy career and many community commitments, he and Betty built a life filled with family, friendships, and shared memories. They especially enjoyed summers at their cottage at Blysteiner Lake in Bridgewater and, in later years, spent their winters in Florida.

Ken was known for his quick wit and playful sense of humour. He loved sharing stories and reminiscing. He was a proud and very hardworking man who believed in doing things well and always giving your best effort. He held high expectations for himself and those around him, wanting nothing more than to see the people he cared about succeed. He took tremendous pride in his family and their accomplishments, and beneath his teasing and strong willed nature was a generous heart and a deep love for those closest to him.

Ken dedicated much of his life to amateur sport and community service, making a lasting impact on hockey in Nova Scotia and across Canada. His career began with the City of Halifax in 1959, followed by his position as the first Manager of the newly built Colchester Legion Stadium in 1965. In 1967, Ken and his family moved to Winnipeg, later relocating to Ottawa, as he pursued a new role with Hockey Canada as Development Coordinator. In 1971, they returned to Nova Scotia when Ken accepted the position of Executive Director of Sport Nova Scotia.

Ken's leadership with Sport Nova Scotia was instrumental in the growth of the organization, helping establish provincial sport governing bodies and advance coaching and athlete development programs. He also helped organize the first Provincial Special Olympics and contributed to the Canada Winter and Summer Games. As President of Hockey Nova Scotia, he served on Hockey Canada’s Board of Directors for ten years and participated in numerous national committees.

His contributions earned him many honours, including Hockey Canada’s Order of Merit in 1988, Sport Nova Scotia’s Executive of the Year Award in 1989, and induction into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame as a Builder in 1995. A Life Member and past president of both the Halifax Minor Hockey Association and Hockey Nova Scotia, Ken’s legacy continues through two annual awards established in his name, recognizing contributions to hockey development and coaching excellence.

Ken was a lifelong sports enthusiast who enjoyed playing hockey and baseball, winning numerous provincial and Maritime championships. His Catholic faith was also an important and prominent part of his life. A longtime member of St. Theresa’s Church, he served on Parish Council, including as president, and held several leadership and volunteer roles within the church community.

Ken was predeceased by his wife, Betty; his brothers, Jack and Ron; and his daughter in law, Teresa. He will be remembered by his children, Katherine (David) Gouchie of Edmonton, Alberta; Karen (Sylvanus) MacLeod of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia; and Kevin (Lorraine) Mantin of Truro, Nova Scotia; his six grandchildren, Kristen, Lauren, Scott, Jennifer, Jeffrey, and Sarah, and seven great-grandchildren.

While Ken leaves behind an incredible legacy through his contributions to sport and his community, those who knew and loved him will remember so much more. His humour, his determination, his generosity, his unwavering faith, and the pride he took in his family will not be forgotten. For all that Ken accomplished throughout his life, his greatest pride was always the family he and Betty built together.

His family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the Renal Dialysis Unit and the Palliative Care team at Colchester East Hants Health Centre for the compassionate care, kindness, and support provided to Ken and his family.

Visitation will take place at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive Halifax, on Sunday Oct 25, 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Funeral services will be held at St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Parish Church, 6032 Normandy Drive, Halifax, on Monday October 26 10:00am, reception to follow in church hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia: https://alzheimercanada.donorsupport.co/page/C5_2026