Kenneth Allen Ploen

Kenneth Allen Ploen, Winnipeg’s legendary quarterback of the Bombers’ golden era, died on February 13, 2024 at age 88. He leaves to mourn his beloved wife Janet, children Carol, Kendra, Doug and their spouses, eight grandchildren, the entire province of Manitoba and football fans and friends throughout North America.

Ken liked to sign his autograph with the inscription “Old #11”. It was wholly inaccurate. He never truly grew old, at least not in the hearts and minds of his fans, friends, and family. Particularly those who saw him play with such boyish enthusiasm and an unsurpassed athletic elegance.

Ken came to Winnipeg in 1957 following a stellar run with the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. He arrived in the Canadian Football League after quarterbacking his college team to victory in the 1957 Rose Bowl (and was named both an All-American and the Rose Bowl MVP that same season). He is one of two football players in history to be named to the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame, the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and multiple Grey Cup championships (the other being Warren Moon). He chose Winnipeg at a time when the Canadian Football League was often the preferred option over the National Football League for American players, years before the NFL achieved its modern-day status. Football fans in Winnipeg are forever grateful.

Ken’s other achievements included induction into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, the Blue Bomber Ring of Honour, receiving the Order of Manitoba, and naming a Winnipeg street (“Ken Ploen Way”). He contributed to consistent team success, winning four Grey Cups in six tries during an eleven-year career with the Blue Bombers, almost entirely with hall-of-fame coach Bud Grant. Grant is notable for once saying, “A good football coach needs a patient wife, a loyal dog, and a great quarterback, but not necessarily in that order.”

To suggest that Ken was merely a great quarterback, unfortunately, misses the point. He was a good, kind man who wore his status as an iconic figure in Winnipeg with grace and dignity. He attended numerous public events for charity and promotions. His playing days behind him, he could be found on many occasions, in hockey rinks, gymnasiums, and football fields, a genuine smile etched permanently on his face as he watched the next generation compete. His friendships were lifelong and as important to him as any victory on the gridiron.

Travelling with friends, either up the river or around the world, filled much of his later years. But most important to Ken was family. Lake of the Woods and Sanibel Island, Florida, were two favourite destinations, and beside him through it all was the love of his life, Janet.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the home care workers and Simkin Centre, Weinberg 2, who were so helpful with compassionate and comforting care.

A Celebration of Ken’s life will be held at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, February 28 at Celebrations Canad Inns Fort Garry, 1824 Pembina Hwy.

In memory of Ken, gifts may be made to the Kenny Ploen Fund at the Winnipeg Foundation, 1350 One Lombard Place, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0X3.Tel 204-944-9474 https://mycharitytools.com/gift/wpgfdn/KennyPloen