KENNETH (KEN)

CHARLES BARKER

September 15, 1944 – August 2, 2023

We are profoundly saddened to share the passing of Ken on August 2 after a valiant battle with Parkinson’s disease.

 

Ken leaves to mourn his wife Cynthia “Cindy”; son Steven (Crystal); daughter Lisa (Gary); step-daughters, Lindsay and Jessica (Jocelyn); and grandchildren, Brooklyn, Kynan, Cameron, Ashley, Maggie, and Xander. Ken is also survived by his brother Jim (Kathy); sisters, Diane (Bryon) and Kathy (Dave); sisters-in-law, Brenda (Del) and Penny Finch; and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

Ken loved nature and shared his abundance of knowledge with his family and had the answer to many questions regarding this topic. His trivial pursuit knowledge was astute in all genres of the game. Ken was a quiet private person; he loved all genre of music from REM, Disturbed, Bob Dylan, to Andrea Bocelli, and Nat King Cole. He admired the talents of others without envy.  He loved cooking (he made an awesome omelette, and his homemade soups were sought after). Ken’s calm quiet counsel was a mainstay with his family. He gave advice without preaching or criticizing. His steadfast love and support will be dearly missed. Ken could fix anything and could build a birdhouse for the annual return of the tree swallows; to decks, garages, and cottages. Parkinson's robbed him of these skills later in life.

​

He never complained or expressed pain from his Parkinson's although he suffered greatly.

 

Family meant everything to him and he was especially proud of all his grandchildren and followed their accomplishments as they grew. He loved his brother Jim and his sisters Diane and Kathy with a huge heart.

 

Ken will be dearly missed as he was deeply loved. It is hard to imagine a world without Ken in it, and he would be surprised and humbled to hear those words describing him. He’s one of a kind in our world. Rest peacefully, dear Ken.

 

Ken’s family is extremely grateful for the exceptional care he received from all the staff at Gimli Hospital. They treated him with incredible respect and dignity when he was at the worst stage of his illness. His family is forever thankful, and express heartfelt gratitude to his wonderful health care team.

 

Ken has been cremated and has requested no service. There will be a celebration of life at a later date.

 

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Parkinson’s Canada.