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From: "Roberta " <>
Subject: [CAN-BC-OBITS] Campbell River Courier-Islander Jan 4, 2007
Date: Fri, 4 Jan 2008 19:29:11 -0800


WAKELIN
Kenrick Noel
December 25, 1920 - December 20, 2007

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our dearly beloved
father, Kenrick Noel Wakelin, on December 20, 2007. Yet we also rejoice in
the knowledge that he is now at peace in the arms of his beloved sweetheart.
Dad chose to join his devoted wife of 61 years, Elsie Joyce Wakelin, who has
been waiting for him since her passing in September 2005. His conscious
decision to make this journey was yet another lesson of love he shared with
us during his lifetime of happiness on Earth.
Ken is survived and will be sadly missed by his loving daughter Janette
(Alan) of Merville, loving sons Trevor (Pauline) of Whitecourt, Neil (Anne)
of Vancouver, Keith (Deborah) of Merville, and Stephen of Courtenay. He was
dearly loved Grandpa to granddaughters Alana (Michael) of Vancouver,
Anne-Marie (Derick) of Calgary, Erika (Robert) of Leslieville, Heather of
Calgary, Lindsay of Edmonton, and grandsons Kaje (Clelia) in Australia,
Soren of Edmonton, Kevin of Calgary, Matthew of Vancouver, and Great Grandpa
to Brandon, Robbie and Alex of Leslieville, Kieran and Liam of Vancouver,
and Lily Mia in Australia. He was predeceased by his mother Violet, brother
Ron and sister Joan, but is survived by his many nieces and nephews in New
Zealand.
Ken was born and grew up in Wellington, New Zealand. As a young man, Ken
excelled in the sports of running and table tennis. He also enjoyed a good
game of cards. When he was about to leave for service in the 2nd World War,
he met Elsie, the love of his life. He asked her to marry him and so began
their great love story.
During the War, Ken served in the South Pacific with the New Zealand Armed
Forces as a Bombardier. His service took him to the islands of Tonga,
Norfolk and New Caledonia, where the New Zealand and Allied Forces
reinforced civilian protection from the invading enemy troops.
When the war was over, Ken and Elsie started their married life together in
New Zealand, where all their children were born. Ken spent the rest of his
life in the role of a devoted husband, father, grandfather and
great-grandfather, to which he placed the utmost importance. To Ken and
Elsie, the family meant everything. In October 2004 they celebrated sixty
years of loving marriage together. Their devotion to each other will
continue to be a great example to all the family.
Ken and Elsie immigrated to Canada in 1974 and settled on Vancouver Island
in Sayward, later moving to Race Point, Campbell River where they enjoyed
many retirement years. Early 2004, they moved the family home to Merville.
Ken and Elsie turned every house into a home and loved being surrounded by
nature and having a view of the water. Together, they landscaped and created
beautiful gardens everywhere they lived. Ken delighted in the wild birds and
animals and always provided food and shelter for them. He especially loved
the hummingbirds, raccoons and squirrels that visited their gardens.
Ken also had many pets throughout his lifetime- two budgies, three dogs and
countless cats! All of whom he loved dearly, especially 'The Boss' who
became his constant companion for the past two years.
One of his favourite pastimes was sitting with Elsie while she read from
their extensive library. She had a wonderful quest for knowledge and
especially loved to read about animals, health and spiritual growth. Their
family photo albums were a great joy to them and they also enjoyed listening
and dancing to music.
Ken enjoyed traveling with Elsie, driving throughout New Zealand, visiting
the gardens of Hawaii and USA, cruising the waterways of Holland, Belgium
and ballooning in France, hiking in Austria and England, and exploring
Canada by train and campervan.
Although the past two years have at times been sad and lonely for Ken
without Elsie beside him, he kept his keen sense of humour, and enjoyed many
precious times with his family. He graciously accepted help when it was
needed, enjoyed social gatherings with family and friends, many of whom have
come to know his gentle soul during this time.
Although Ken suffered with constant joint pain since the War, he never
complained and stayed active throughout his life. Dad chose to leave us in
good health and without medication, the way nature intended.
Special thanks go to the caring staff of Glacier View Lodge, where Ken has
enjoyed living since last July, for their understanding and unconditional
support of Ken's requirements and decisions for his own health and care.
Overwhelming gratitude and thanks go to Anna Klassen for her two years of
companionship to Dad, and to Dr Christophe Kind for his genuine concern for
Ken's health and comfort, for always being there when his professional help
and advice was needed, for his prayers, and indeed, for the love he gave to
both our parents.
Our Dad was a war veteran and protector of humanity; a provider and teacher
to his family; a caregiver and gardener of the earth; a lover of birds,
animals and children; an athlete; an artist; a comic; and the kindest, most
gentle, loving soul to have graced our Earth. It was an honour and privilege
to have shared in his life, and his peaceful journey of rebirth leaves a
legacy of inner knowledge for all to follow.
At Ken and Elsie's request, Ken's ashes will be scattered by the family in
their rose garden - "so that they may rest together, forever in their garden
of dreams." A gathering for family and friends will be held from 1 to 5pm,
Saturday, January 12, 2008, at their home in Merville to celebrate Ken's
life and their love. In lieu of flowers, Ken has requested the planting of
bulbs (especially lilies) throughout the garden. Please phone Janette at
ZenZero, 250 338 0571 for directions.


Roberta


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