Ken passed away peacefully at the age of 99 at his home on December 21, 2020.
Ken was born in Lanigan, Saskatchewan on July 14, 1921, son of Hezekiah (Hezi) and Errol Elliott. Ken lived in Lanigan until, at the age of 18, with the outbreak of World War II he volunteered to serve Canada and joined the Air Force. After completing Officer’s Training School, he received his Wings and as Lieutenant Elliott was attached to Canada’s 6th Bomber Command as a gunner. Ken flew 30 European missions with Bomber Command including D-Day before his plane was shot down over France in July 1944. Ken was taken prisoner and while captive endured a 160-mile forced march across northern Europe with starvation rations in the dead of winter. Many years later a fellow prisoner came to visit and thanked Ken for saving his life during that march by supporting him when he could no longer walk. Ken was liberated from prison camp at the end of the war and returned to Canada. Ken was a humble veteran who knew the horror of war and valued peace and compassion for others. He was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion for over 70 years.
Back home in Lanigan, Ken worked with his Dad for a time and had the Esso Oil Agency before becoming Lanigan Postmaster so that he could spend more time with his family. Ken eventually retired from the Post Office in Saskatoon.
Ken married his sweetheart, Kay Robinson, in 1952. Mrs. Cran, a family friend, introduced them on Main Street in Lanigan and she said, “Ken, this is the girl you are going to marry”. They lived in Lanigan where they were active members of the community and raised their family. They lived in Saskatoon during the later years and enjoyed travelling, spending time with family and friends, and especially supporting their grandchildren in all their endeavours. Their grandchildren invited them to their sporting events, academic milestones, everything they did for fun and they loved to attend them all.
Ken is loved and missed by his four children, Don (Tina) of Candle Lake, Karen of Saskatoon, Ian (Marianne) of Humboldt and Alan of Saskatoon; his grandchildren Erin (Randal) Maloy of Glaslyn, Heather Elliott of Saskatoon, and Scott Elliott of Saskatoon; his great-grandchildren James and Ellie Maloy; and his sister Yvonne (Odie) Lowe of Vernon B.C.
Ken was pre-deceased by his wife Kay (Kathleen), daughter-in-law Glenna Elliott, parents, and brothers (Y. Don and Frank).
The Saskatoon Museum of Military Artifacts requested that the following be included: Ken accepted his duty to enlist and serve his country. His military career was conducted with integrity, humility, and quiet heroism. His pictures and story are featured in the Air Force section of The Saskatoon Museum of Military Artifacts.
A private family service will be held at a later date. Arrangements in care of Mandi Wersch of Acadia-McKague’s Funeral Centre 306.955.1600. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at acadiamckaguesfuneralcentre.com. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke foundation. www.heartandstroke.ca
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