Kenneth "Ken" Wayne Smith

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth “Ken” Smith on Sunday January 25, 2026. Ken was born August 26, 1940 and was predeceased by his parents Harold and Mildred Smith and wife, Kathleen Patricia “Pat” Ann.

Ken was a brother to Sally (Gerry), dad to Leanne (Chris), Jason (Tracey), and Kyle (Sonya). He was a grandfather to Brenden (Samantha), Jeremy (Dominique), Jamie (Ty) and Ben and a great grandfather to Mia.

Ken was raised on the family farm near High Bluff, MB and attended Dale Prospect School. He worked on the farm with Harold and later with son Kyle. Sally and Ken were very close growing up and remained the best of friends until the end.

Ken and Pat raised their family on the farm and were active in Kinsmen and the many activities of their children. He took pride in working on the Kinsmen floats for the Santa Claus parade. They enjoyed sharing holidays and many family get togethers with sister-in-law Rae, brother-in-law Martin, nieces Pam (Ken), Meredith, Leta (Rob), Jana Rae, and nephews Don and Arie.

Eventually Ken decided to move slightly more indoors and into the cab of many types of trucks and equipment for Munro Farm Supplies in Westbourne. He made many friends there and often reminisced about his truck driving days.

After many years at Munro’s, Ken followed his dad to the Provincial Sheriffs office eventually obtaining the rank of Deputy Sheriff.

It was at this time Ken met his partner, Hazel, of 40 years. Ken became very close with their family and spent many happy times at the cottage in Grindstone with Michael (Kim) and son Mason, Heather (Greg) and daughter Larissa.

Ken was an avid reader, branching out in his later years to cookbooks and he became a very good cook. His coleslaw was a much requested staple at every gathering. He loved hunting and golf especially if it included the kids. In his younger years, he was a goalie and later an avid Jets fan. He was an enthusiastic supporter of all the kids hockey games, school concerts and theatre productions.

Our gratitude to all of the staff at the Charleswood Care Centre can not be measured. They provided exceptional care in Ken’s last months and did so much to try and make each day a happy one. Thank you to all of the wonderful staff at Metropolitan Kaiwanis Courts and the Thorvaldson Care Centre, who also cared for Ken.

Ken had requested no service and a private family internment will take place at a future date.

Should friends so desire, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com