Kenneth William Gordon Hilton

June 5, 1936 – May 6, 2024 

Ken Hilton’s family is sad to announce that Ken, dearly loved husband of Barb Hilton, died peacefully at home on May 6, 2024. Twice a cancer survivor, Ken was thankful for each day that he was given.

As well as his wife, Barb, Ken will be missed by his children who were very dear to him, Les, Heather (Paul), and Brad (Lisa); he is also survived by the mother of his children, Vi Bjarnason Hilton. Sadly, Ken was predeceased by his youngest son, Kirk, in March of 2024, which was heartbreaking for him. Ken also keenly felt the loss of his only brother, Gerry in 2020. Over the years, several trips were taken to New Brunswick to visit Gerry and Shirley, and their three daughters and four granddaughters. Ken was a positive presence in the lives of his eight dear grandchildren, Chantale, Nick, Amanda (Andrew), Kiera (Sean), Rachelle (Jason), Garret (Stacy), Sacha (Gustavo), and Joel; and his eight precious great-grandchildren, Orion, Rilee, Emily, Manuela, Mason, Brielle, Luka and Sophie Joe. Ken also loved, was loved by, and will be very much missed by Barb’s children and grandchildren, Cheryl, Lauren, Tawnia (Shawn), Evan, and Rachel (Izaak). Each of these dearly loved souls held a special place in Ken’s heart.

Born to parents Velma A. E. Hilton (Burnett) and W. J. Lloyd Hilton on June 5, 1936, Ken was born, raised and educated in Winnipeg. While at United College, Ken joined the Canadian Officers’ Training Corps (C.O.T.C.) and upon graduation with a B.A., he was posted to the 4th C.I.B.G. in Soest, West Germany. Upon his return to Canada, Ken taught high school in Minnedosa, MB and while there, he met his first wife, Gudrun Viola Bjarnason. They married in 1959 and raised four children. Ken enrolled in the Royal Canadian Navy and after completing Officer Training, was posted to HMCS Naden in Victoria, BC. Following an interesting and very successful 30-year career with the Canadian Forces, including a term with the Army Reserves at Minto Armoury, Ken was then employed by the Province of Manitoba for 18 years.

For the past 32 years, Ken and his wife, Barbara, have been together in their condo in Winnipeg. They have enjoyed many trips together, including several cruises, where Ken was able to step onto a ship and relax!

Ken was an intelligent, kind and loving man, always helping however he could; ready to offer an opinion, always curious, non-judgmental, and quick to forgive. Ken’s kindness and generosity extended much further than family, as he interacted with, and made a difference, to many people in his long life.

Much gratitude to the many people in health care who helped Ken on his journey over the years, and to the Palliative Care Team who made it possible for Ken to remain at home – where he wanted to be.

Ken’s family invites friends to join us in remembering Ken and celebrating his life, on Saturday, August 24, at 1:00 p.m., in the reception room of Voyage Funeral Home, 472 Kirkfield Street.

Dear to Ken’s heart, for anyone wishing to donate, are Winnipeg Pet Rescue, Siloam Mission or CancerCare.

Ken, Dad, Grandpa –
you are loved and missed so much!