Kenneth Joseph Hinch
May 31, 1933 - October 7, 2017
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ken Hinch.
Ken was born May 31, 1933 in Bowser, BC to Grant and Daisy Hinch.
Ken was a loving husband to his wife of 38 years, Rosemary and to his first wife, Madeleine (deceased). Ken was an exemplary father and father-in-law to his children, Valerie (David) Cairine, Kelly (Margaret) and Stacy (Tracy).
Ken was also a caring step-father to Rosemary's 3 sons. Ken was a beloved brother of his 5 siblings, Norm (Heather) Annette (deceased), Glen, Tricia (Gordon), Ann (Joe) and Allan (Denise).
Ken is predeceased by his first wife Madeleine, youngest child Stacy, parents Grant and Louise, mother Daisy and his sister-in-law Annette.
Ken loved being a family man even though distance often made it difficult for him to be as much a part of the lives of his many grandchildren and great-grands as he wished.
As a young man striking out on his own, Ken left Vancouver Island for Maple Ridge on the mainland. In his pursuit of a career, he met Madeleine Pearson of Whonnock, BC and married her in March 1957. Their union was blessed with four children, daughters Valerie and Cairine and sons Kelly and Stacy (deceased May 1, 2016).
Ken and Madeleine purchased and cleared an undeveloped property and built their lovely family home with their own hands. An avid supporter of his children's hobbies and sports interests paved the way for Ken to become a much sought after Umpire in the eastern portion of the Maple Ridge, BC area in the 1970's for both the Boys and Girls "A & B" baseball and softball leagues due to his keen eyes, sense of fair play and command of the field.
One of Ken's passions was working with wood as a hobby and he made many beautiful and ingenious creations, from toys for his young children to a grand tree house for them, a camper for the Family to vacation in as well as furniture and curios.
After 19 years of marriage Ken lost his wife, Madeleine to Lupus in 1976. EEAs a widowed father of four, Ken was lucky to have found friendship and companionship with Rosemary Morisette. In 1979 Ken and Rosemary were married in Abbotsford, BC and Ken faithfully loved Rosemary until his last day.EE
After several years living and working for the BC Forest Service in the Princeton area, Ken relocated to Kelsey Bay as a Bull Bucker (foreman for the hand fallers) with McMillian Bloedel. After a lifetime of wear and tear on his body as a logger, Ken took early retirement and settled with his wife in Courtenay.
EKen is survived by Rosemary, his children Valerie (Dave), Cairine and her children Carly and Kenny, and great grandson Brady, Kelly (Margaret) and their daughter Catherine. Tracy (Stacy's wife) their children Terry, Christopher and Crystal and great grandchildren Kaden and Avery as well as all of his siblings.
Ken got the chance to fulfill his wish to take a journey back to his logging roots when he recently accompanied his son Kelly to work. They flew from Campbell River to King Island, south of Bella Bella in a single turbine Otter float plane. Weather was very stormy the first day in camp so Ken had to pass the time in the bunkhouse. The next day they travelled by crew boat and 4X4 to the job site where he was able to spend the day in the grapple yarder with his son.
Ken passed away October 7, 2017 at Cumberland Lodge in Cumberland, BC.
Ken will be greatly missed by his family, including his many nieces, nephews and greats as well as friends he thought of as family.
Ken's family wishes to thank all the staff and physicians at Cumberland Lodge and Casa Loma Seniors Village Courtenay as well as Dr. Jennifer Cortez of Comox for the genuine caring and excellent care he received over more than the last 5 years.
We know your thoughts and best wishes are with us, Ken's family requests privacy during this difficult time.