June 9, 1936 - June 18, 2022
Dr. Kenneth Rae Armstrong of Parksville, British Columbia, passed away on June 18th, 2022, at age 86. He passed peacefully, in hospital, with his family nearby.
Ken was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his wife Gail of 59 years, sons Stephen (Sherri), Christopher (Dana) and Phillip (Ruriko), his sister Pat (David) Breen, his grandchildren Daniela, Kenichiro, Adam, Sakura and Gillian, brothers-in-law Wilson Barfoot, David (Nora) Jenkins, Kent (Janice) Jenkins and sister-in-law Linda (Bob) McMurdo, as well as many nieces, nephews, and relatives. He was predeceased by his parents Rae and Edwina (Watson), sister Mary Anne, brothers Bob and Donald, and sister-in-law Sylvia Barfoot.
Ken was born in Olds, Alberta, on June 9, 1936. As a child, he grew up on a dairy farm. He participated in the 4H Club and played in baseball and hockey leagues. Ken went to university in Guelph, Ontario and graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1961. While working in PEI, he met the love of his life – Gail Jenkins, and they married in 1963.
Ken worked for over three decades as a field veterinarian and professor at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon. Here he touched the lives and careers of numerous students and future veterinarians. Ken was recognized with awards for his teaching and dedicated service to the college.
Ken was involved in giving back the community in Saskatoon and Parksville. He volunteered as a Scout leader, was an active member of the Rotary Club and took part in many fundraising and community events through the United Church of Canada.
Ken loved nature, wildlife, and animals of all kinds. He was a great lover of music, from ABBA to classical, theatre and reading, especially Canadian history.
Quick to smile, Ken touched the lives many and was invariably recognized for his kind, gentle nature, his patience, and even-handed fairness. He served as a powerful example of love and dedication, as well as grace and fortitude in the face of hardship.
The Armstrong family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for their loving care and support.
A service celebrating Ken’s life will be at Knox United Church in Parksville BC on Monday July 25, 2022, at 1:00pm.
Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada at www.heartandstroke.ca
