Ken is lovingly remembered by his wife Patricia and his children, Brian (Cheryl), Janet (Tristan) and Allen (Jennifer). Much loved by his five grandchildren Laura, Sarah, Jack, Chloe and Audrey. He will be missed by his brother Harold (Diana), and many loving brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Ken was born to Olav and Karly Gilleshammer and grew up in Erickson, Manitoba. When Ken was five his family moved to Norway, the birthplace of his parents, where they lived for a year before returning to Canada. He spent much of his youth at Riding Mountain National Park, a place he always loved. He started his career with Scotiabank in 1959 in Brandon, before being transferred to Calgary where he met Pat and where Brian, Janet and Allen were born. Ken spent the entirety of his career with Scotiabank, and retired in 2003 back in Brandon, where he had begun his career.
Ken’s love for his children and grandchildren was deep and devoted. He took tremendous interest in their lives. Ken had an unassuming steadiness on which his family depended. Ken enjoyed golfing, curling and watching his favourite sports, baseball and football.
A gathering of family and friends to celebrate his life will be held at a later date.
The family would like to thank the Palliative Care team at Riverview, and Dr. Mark Elkin, for providing exceptional care to Ken.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Riverview Health Centre Foundation, One Morley Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3L 2P4.