Mr. Kenneth (Ken) Frederick Hurst

Dad didn’t really want an obituary - just a short notice of his passing. But how does one sum up a full and rich life in so few words? Dad was a very private man so I hope we aren’t betraying his trust. But we are so very proud of him.

KF was, first and foremost, the husband of Mary, his beloved wife for 65 years, who survives him, and a father, grandfather, great grandfather. He was born in St. Vital in 1922 and was educated at St. John’s College School. He was captain of a ship during WWII, had a long career as a Winnipeg architect, was a builder, an artist, and was a good and faithful friend to many.

Those of you who knew him knew a just and honorable gentle man: steadfast, generous, kind, gruff, sometimes grumpy, but always exceedingly fair. As the old poem goes - Dad went placidly amid the noise and haste and valued what peace there was in silence. He and his brother Doug could sit together for hours, rarely saying a word, quiet, yet content in each others’ company.

He was self deprecating and taciturn about his many virtues, yet was always willing to discuss the accomplishments, and antics, of his wife, daughters and sons, grandchildren, spouses, and nieces and nephews.

He died on the afternoon of July 11, just short of his 91st birthday. He died peacefully, where he had hoped to die, in the house he designed and built in Fort Garry in 1954 and where he lived most of his life.

KF did not want a funeral so we celebrate his life in our memories and our hearts. The family hopes to gather together later in the summer at West Hawk Lake, at the cottage he built for us in 1958, and where he spent many summers, puttering to his heart’s delight.

The world was enriched with his being upon it and is diminished by his passing.

Dad’s was a life well lived.