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A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
NEAL, Kenneth Martin (Ken) - We have said goodbye to a truly inspirational and great gentleman. Ken has sadly passed away gently and peacefully at the Royal Jubilee Hospital on June 21, 2014. born December 30, 1919 in Edmonton, Alberta. Ken lived a full and complete life, a strong, spirited survivor with for more lives than a cat, continually defying the odds but it was his time. A great sense of humor, living with integrity and without regrets. A great example for his 5 generations, 3 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Survived by his son Ken (Arlene) and his children Ron, his boys Cameron and Justin, Bev, (Stan Dorma) and their children Emily and Kayden, Taunya (Troy Jardine) and their children Charlotte and Jaxson, Ken (Kerri) and their children Michelle and Krystyna. Predeceased by his wife Ruby Kathleen (Kay) in 2000 and his other son Richard John in 2005. The son of a gardener, Ken grew up on a farm just south of Edmonton, leaving at 19 to join the Navy. It turned out to be a 25 year career when he achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer 1st Class. His specialty was as an Electrician, serving in every theater during World War Ii and finally the Korean Conflict. 1964 saw Ken retire from the Navy to a private career with Point Ellice Shipyards (Seaspan International) until his final retirement in 1985. Ken's hobbies were numerous, passionate and good at all, cards (crib and poker), pool, curling, golf (3 hole in ones) and then his passion trapshooting (1962 - 2012), fully devoting his time and energy to supporting and raising the quality of the B.C. Trapshooting Association, an executive span of over 27 years holding positions of President, Secretary Treasurer and more. Constant involvement, board positions, delegation and a 5 year period holding several executive positions on the PITA Board, finally being recognized with his induction to the PITA Hall of Fame in 2008. Also, a proud and long time member of the Masonic Lodge, most recently United Service Lodge No. 24. Many thanks to the staff of the Victoria at McKenzie where he resided for the past 8 years, the Royal Jubilee Hospital, the many, many doctors and nurses who loved his optimistic and positive, friendly attitude. A special thought for Margaret Dorf, a very special friend who loved Ken's company, only surviving him by a mere 2 days. By request, no formal service. Cremation has taken place. His spirit lives on and what we remember lives on in wisdom, kindness and love of life. Rest in peace, well deserved.
Ships served in: HMCS MARGAREE - Served in Margaree as C1ET
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For Posterity's Sake 
