KENNETH "KEN" CLIFFORD WALTER POERSCH

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our father, grandfather and great-grandfather on November 6th at Pembina Place Personal Care Home. As love would have it, Ken joined the love of his life, Lorraine, who left us on the same day four years ago.

Ken is survived by his four daughters, Catherine Drennan (Kevin), Christine Thomas (Ken Hanna), Jacqueline Poersch-Burns (Ken) and Colleen Normand (Alain); as well as his loving grandchildren, Chantalle Normand (Alan), Jason Thomas, Breanna Drennan-Bilyk (Brennen), Kyla Drennan, Kent Burns, Joel Normand (Chelsea), Joshua Normand (Stacy), Taylor Johnson (Curtis) and Kleighton Burns (Carling); and the apples of his eyes, great-grandchildren, Kayden, Mallory, Daphne and Elliott.

Ken also leaves behind his brothers-in-law, Albert Van Walleghem, George DeWandel (Elayne) and Herman DeWandel (June); his “special” sisters, Bonnie Peattie and Gwen Poirier; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Ken was predeceased by his parents, Erna and Victor; his brother, Brian; his in-laws Marguerite and Alphonse DeWandel; his sister-in-law, Lillian Van Walleghem; his brother-in-law, Omer DeWandel; and his son-in-law Roland Thomas.

Ken was born in Winnipeg and spent his formative years in Brunkild, Manitoba. Many good times were had in Brunkild with cousins and friends that he stayed in touch with to this day.

In 1952, Ken left Brunkild for the big city “Winnipeg” and became an indentured machinist apprentice with Canadian National Railway. After serving his time, he secured a job in the Air Brake shop where he stayed for his entire 36 years of service. During this time Ken and a fellow employee designed a “process” in which they were awarded the maximum monetary amount through the employee suggestion plan. To this day, this design is still being used by CN.

In 1957, Ken met Lorraine at a dance in Brunkild. They were married on May 3, 1958, and had four daughters within a span of 5 years and life changed for Ken and he became a girl dad. Dad drove us wherever we needed to go, showed us how to change a flat tire, cut the grass and even change the oil in the car. We’re not sure how dad did it having five women in the house, one bathroom and one car, but he did it and was the best dad you could ever ask for.

Dad worked two jobs at times and his love of hunting and fishing helped support his family.

Dad was a man of many talents, he repaired everyone’s lawnmower, snowblower, car, etc... There was never a time when we came home from school and there wasn’t some kind of machine getting fixed in the garage.

One of dad’s passions was 10 pin bowling. He bowled in two leagues, Chateau Lanes and Club LaVerendrye and enjoyed many trips to Fargo for tournaments.

Dad was an avid reader, lover of double/doubles, sweet eater (there was no dessert that dad didn’t like), card player, fisherman, chauffeur, fixer upper, bingo player at Club Regent and watching his favorite soap opera, Young & the Restless (he never missed an episode, not even in the care home). A special thank you to Mary from Fergies at the Forks for all the pickerel bites, goldeye and fish soup that you prepared for our dad.

Dad also played the guitar, the accordion, sang and yodeled. There were many family parties with his cousins, where dad played late into the night. Sadly, rheumatoid arthritis reared its ugly head and all of dad’s favorite pastimes were put to rest.

In 2021, dad had a stroke which changed his life completely, but he took it in stride and knew that he couldn’t stay in the family home and thus moved into PPCH where his brother-in-law, Albert resided. They enjoyed each other’s company having breakfasts and suppers together and talking about their beloved Jets and Bombers.

Dad was a kind, gentle loving man and always had a smile on his face. He never complained about anything or anyone (except if the Jets or Bombers were losing). He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone.

Our family would like to thank everyone at PPCH, especially Kaan, Leanne, Sherri-Lee, Yvong and Shauna to name a few, for all your loving care you extended to dad and our family. Dad always said his care was top notch.

We would also like to thank our cousins for visiting dad when they visited their dad, Albert. This made dad’s day as he always looked forward to your visits and homemade treats. You have no idea how much this meant to us.

Cremation has taken place and as per our parents’ wishes, they will be interred at a family graveside service which will take place in the summer of 2025 in Brunkild, Manitoba.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the TMUC Building Fund, 209 Yale Ave. West, R2C 1T9 either by mail or online at www.canadahelps.org.

Dad, there are no goodbyes for us.

Wherever you are, you will be

in our hearts — we love you!

Ken’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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