Kenneth Charles Smith
February 6, 1933 - February 9, 2026
In Loving Memory
Kenneth Charles Smith
Ken Smith was born in Beechy Saskatchewan on Feb 6, 1933, the 4th child of Ed and Lillian Smith. Ken grew up as part of a large farming and ranching family in southern SK. He married Virginia Arntsen in 1958 and over the next 68 years, they lived in many places across western Canada including Swift Current SK, Grand Prairie, Edmonton and Drumheller AB and Vernon, Vancouver, Salmon Arm, Campbell River and Kelowna BC.
Ken and Virginia were inseparable throughout his life and together they raised 7 children – Brent, Stacey (Wesley), Sheila (Stephen), Andrew (Tami), Bradley (Pam), Steven (Gayle) and Marty (Donna).
As a young man, Ken was a great cowboy who competed in rodeos as a calf-roper and bronc rider. He was honoured as president of the Canadian Cowboys Association. Ken was also a fine musician who, as a young man, played guitar and fiddle in the country halls around his hometown. He had a rich baritone singing voice and continued to sing and fiddle throughout his life.
After he hung up his spurs, he studied plumbing at a trade school in Saskatoon, becoming a journeyman in Swift Current. Then in 1972, he took his large young family and moved to Vernon BC where he started and ran his own company: KC’s Plumbing and Heating.
In these years, aside from raising a family and running a business, Ken served the community as a hockey and baseball coach. And after retirement he became an avid golfer.
Ken was beloved, not only by his wife and children but by his 24 grandchildren and 16 (so far) great grandchildren. His warmth and calmness made him a magnet for children (and dogs) and he loved having them near.
Ken was admitted to hospital on Feb 8 after a fall at home. He had just celebrated his 93rd birthday surrounded by family and friends where he sang one of his favourites ’Out On The Myra’. He is survived, and will be dearly missed, by his wife, Virginia, his 7 children – and a host of other family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life on will be held Sunday, February 15th at 2:00 pm. Please call Sheila MacGregor at (250) 681-0788 to RSVP.
Arrangements entrusted to
Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-766-4400
Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services:
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Comments: 16
Beautiful tribute to a beautiful man
Jill and I are so sorry for your family’s loss. It is always difficult not matter how old a person is to lose them. Although we only me Ken twice during family gatherings my wife and I found Ken to be memorable. He would play the fiddle and sing with the group. So much fun. Know that we are holding you all in prayer during this challenging time.
God Bless you.
Jill Jerry
Grandpa Ken played a large role in my upbringing, and I’m deeply grateful for his kindness, humour and love.
From visiting them frequently in Drumheller, to living with them for a time in Kelowna, their house always meant love, safety, fun, and waffles.
At his 80th when I was 19 yrs, I went to go say a few words about how much he means to me, but couldn’t even get them out. I started crying and ran off. I’m better able to express myself through writing, so here’s a few memories I’d like to share…
Grandpa would jokingly tell us that we were being “a better door than a window!” when we were running round playing in front of the TV when he was trying to watch Jeopardy eating his ice cream. I loved going to visit cause it meant I always got vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce.
When we lived with them, the days Grandpa would pack our lunches, he’d always break a Kit Kat bar in half and put one in each of our lunchboxes haha.
Grandpa had a Rotary gavel for being President of his Rotary club, and the day I got mine for my university Rotaract club, I felt I was continuing the tradition.
My love of all things country, including rodeos, was only amplified when I realized how much Grandpa had loved it too. I ‘interviewed’ him and Grandma about their lives about 5 years ago and when asking Grandpa if he could have had any career or job he wanted, what would he have been? He responded, “a cowboy.” (Grandma unsurprisingly said she’d be a lawyer). Haha but when I visited Harvey and Nancy a few years ago and was terrified riding the horse bareback- Great Uncle Harv yells at me incredulously, “what kind of SMITH are you!?” So my love of country doesn’t extended as far I suppose. I’ll watch, not ride thank you haha.
Last time I was in Kelowna, we went through old photographs and him and Grandma shared family stories. I’ve been fascinated with tracking my family history recently and getting to see a photo of Grandpa’s parents at the Taj Mahal in the same spot that me and my best friend got a photo, was incredible. Grandpa then started reciting the poem Cremation of Sam McGee and it was deeply moving.
I loved every minute I got to spend golfing, walking Buddy/Koji, or playing crib with Grandpa. Hearing him practice the fiddle and sing was always a highlight.
Grandpa, I love you. You lived an amazing life and have a wonderful family to show for it. Thanks for everything you’ve done for all us grandkids.
Sending all my love and hugs from Australia,
Amy
So deeply sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was a wonderful man. What a legacy he left!
Blessings,
Shawn and Jasmin Friesen
The world lost a whole lot of heart and soul on Sunday. Always smiling, uncle Ken was one of the kindest and most generous persons I have ever known. I thank him for all the great memories that went well into my adult years. Our trips to Salmon Arm, and when he and Virginia lived here in Coquitlam… we were so lucky. He even redid the plumbing in my basement! (Also thank the families of Sheila and Andy for babysitting my kids!)
Love you Aunt Virginia ❤️ ❤️You were both so lucky to find each other and nurture so much love into the world. Ken had a grand, wonderful, long life. Truly a great man.
Love to the whole family, kids and grandkids.
Dear Stacy and family. My condolences to his wife Virginia and the family. What a great testimony. The Lord will be near you and comfort you and your family. My prayer is peaceful moments together.
Alexander de Vreugd, The Netherlands
On behalf of my family in the Cook Islands, New Zealand, Australia, Scotland, United States of America, The Netherlands, Jamaica and places unknown we send our deepest sympathies to all of Kenneth Charles Smith’s family especially his loving wife Virginia and his seven children but most especially his grand daughter Amy who is very much a loved member of my immediate family as my son Tiernan’s partner
The deep love exhibited throughout Kenneth’s full life lives on through Amy and we all feel truly blessed
Thank you Smith Family
Ken was such a lovely person. Derek and I loved him and will miss his cheerful smile and encouraging words. He and Virginia were always so enthusiastic and encouraging about live music and would come and cheer on SFS whenever they could. Thank you for your consistent kindness. You will be missed.
Lovely tribute to a very significant man, who clearly had an impact on his comminity. My condolences for your loss
Our heartfelt condolences and blessings go out to the whole family. We only had the chance to meet Ken at the marriage of his granddaughter and our son, but his true kindness, gentleness, and good natured heart shined clearly. Grace to everyone as you walk out this season.
What can I say about Ken and where do I begin….
So many memories, so much love 💕 all the words in the world could never describe what Ken Smith meant to me and our family.
Truly a one of a kind, one in a million kind of person that you don’t have the privilege of meeting, knowing and loving everyday. I was lucky & blessed to call Ken my father in law.
Thank you Ken & Virginia for always making me feel welcomed.
Sending all my love and prayers to Virginia, Brent and the entire family.
I was sad to hear of Uncle Ken’s passing. Though I did not see him much in the past few years, I have fond memories of him from singing in the piano room at Nana and Grandpa’s house, visiting them in Salmon Arm, family reunions, and even a trip to Expo! He always had a smile, a gentle heart and was very proud of his family. With love to Aunt Virginia and everyone in your family – he will be missed but remembered often.
Love, Kelly and family❤️
We will be thinking of you all as you celebrate your husband, father and grandfathers life.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
My sincere condolences to you Steve, and your wonderful family. May you father be in the present of the Lord for eternity.
It is with a deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Ken. He was a truly wonderful man who got to live long enough to celebrate the births of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. It is a privilege denied to many. He loved them as he loved his own children delighting in their lights in his world. He loved his beer, his fiddle and his life. His love of music and horses carries on in his children. I hope they continue to play honouring his memory. Every song now takes on a special meaning. He will be missed. May he rest in peace and in all of the wonderful memories you all carry.
Farewell to one of the best men I ever met
Rest Easy Ken! My condolences to
Virginia and their family.