Ken passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at the age of 92 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving wife Helen Marie Burnett (nee Seguin); daughters: Sharon Louise Sinclair, Patricia Helen Guyda, both of Winnipeg; sons: William Joseph Burnett (Margaret) of Winnipeg, Larry James Burnett (Karen) of Vernon; grandchildren: Jeremy (Emily), Heather (Jon), Tyler, Helen (John), Kristie-Lee (Casey), Kathryn, Jacqueline and John; as well as his sister Joan of London, Ontario. Predeceased by his brother Mac, sister Louise and grandchild Jennifer.
Ken was born in Regina, Saskatchewan on April 1, 1924, the third child of Joseph and Leila Burnett (nee MacDonald). In 1943 Ken married the love of his life Helen.
During WWII Ken served with distinction in the RCAF as a bomber (Halifax) pilot and achieved the rank of Flight Lieutenant. Ken was seconded to the 51st Squadron of the RAF and heroically flew 33 missions over enemy territory.
Following the war, Ken worked for General Motors and Imperial Oil in Regina, Winnipeg and Edmonton as a senior executive. He retired in 1982 and relocated to Kelowna in 1992.
People liked Ken the minute they met him, and he will be remembered for his incredible sense of humour. He loved to golf and particularly enjoyed a wide variety of music. His hobbies included gardening and reading, and he was a champion cribbage player.
Ken was a Mason, Shriner, and active member of the Shrine Drum and Bugle Corps and the Gyro Clubs in Winnipeg and Edmonton.
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, July 10th at 11:00 am at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. A reception will follow the service at Missionwood Resort, 1075 Barnes Ave., commencing at 1:00 pm.
A private family interment will have taken place.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society www.cancer.ca or the Salvation Army,www.kelownasalvationarmy.ca.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting
www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.