Kenneth Alexander Wotherspoon

Kenneth (Ken) Alexander Wotherspoon of Vancouver, B.C., died peacefully on December 4, 2025, after a lengthy and fulfilling life. Ken was born in Melville, Saskatchewan, with his early years on the farm followed by moves to Saskatoon to complete high school. After periods in the naval reserve (where he trained and progressed to the rank of lieutenant - navigation officer and later as Chaplin) and university studies, Ken completed theological training leading to a life long career as a United Church minister, initially in rural Saskatchewan and then lengthy terms in Saskatoon (St. Martin’s) and Vancouver (Canadian Memorial) and later in the community of Hope, B.C. after he had moved there to enjoy his retirement years.

Ken was a devoted and much-loved family man, enjoying a rich life with his wife and best friend, Shirley (Hardy) Wotherspoon, for whom he served as caretaker in her final years as her mobility became limited. Their family – sons Terry (Barb) and Rob (Barb) and daughters Lori and Patti (Ron), along with ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren – have many fond memories of special times and adventures with him, as do brother Clayton and other surviving extended family members. He was predeceased by his parents, David and Mary (Nedobah) Wotherspoon, brothers Doug and Les, and sisters Audrey, Persis, Marjorie, and Hazel.

Ken was committed to social justice throughout, reflecting his family’s roots in the cooperative movement and his dedication to hearing the stories of others, whether from the pulpit and stage, like Tommy Douglas, or those who struggled with life on the streets. Ken took a leading role among clergy to support the introduction of universal health care; he proudly held on to a letter from Saskatchewan Premier Woodrow Lloyd (who succeeded Tommy Douglas), thanking him for publicly supporting a mediation process that led to settlement of the doctors’ strike when Medicare was introduced. Ken and Shirley, in their own distinct ways, stood as powerful, supportive role models for their children and grandchildren and for many others with whom they engaged with throughout their lives. During his time in Saskatoon as Minister at Saint Martin’s United Church, Ken introduced many innovative dimensions to worship and church outreach, hosting a weekly Open Line on Religion radio program, and sharing experiences from sabbaticals in Harlem, NYC and Japan, and completing masters and doctorate degrees in theology at Princeton University along the way.

Ken continued to be a trailblazer in Vancouver, as Minister at Canadian Memorial United Church, as a community leader including his role as a chaplain for the city police force for several years, which he was particularly proud of doing. He was also committed to individuals and groups encountering discrimination, exemplified by his early willingness to perform marriage ceremonies for same sex couples.

His lack of hesitation in pushing beyond the boundaries expected of a minister in those days was echoed in his enthusiastic embrace of-everyday life and wicked sense of humour. For many who knew him, one of their most enduring memories is being taught his ‘duty smile,’ which he said he used when he had to appear amused regardless of how he felt.

Ken frequently spoke about how lucky he was (not just because he survived two lightning strikes in his youth) because of the blessed life he had. While highly dedicated to his family and work, he embraced a wide range of activities and interests like fishing, travelling, sports (curling, watching hockey), cooking, and music (singing in the church choir, listening interests that ranged from opera and Sousa marches to Leonard Cohen and Murray McLachlan). He lived his last two years at Crofton Manor in Vancouver, where he enjoyed being greeted with a friendly ‘hi Ken’ by the staff, who spoke about what a wonderful man he was.

Ken leaves behind a lasting impression on those who knew him and will be dearly missed. A quote from one of his sons – “we were lucky to have him as our dad” – is the essence of how he will be remembered by his family. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Crofton Manor for their wonderful care and compassion.

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held on February 13 at 1 p.m. at Canadian Memorial United Church in Vancouver, with a reception to follow in the hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ken’s memory can be made to First United Church in Vancouver (ph. 604-336-3047).

https://firstunited.ca/donate-now