Kenneth William Ellison

May 4, 1939 – March 4, 2023 

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-grandfather, Uncle, Friend and Teacher

It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Ken, after a courageous battle with heart disease and related health issues, with family by his side.

Ken was born on May 4, 1939 in Victoria, BC to William (Bill) and Verna Ellison. After having spent his childhood in beautiful British Columbia, Ken moved with his family to Winnipeg, Manitoba when he was a teenager. He graduated from St. James Collegiate and later went to the
University of Winnipeg before becoming a school teacher. Ken began his teaching career in Jackhead (Kinonjeoshtegon) First Nation in 1963 where he met and fell in love with his adoring wife Ida (nee Sinclair) of 55 years. He later taught at Lake St. Martin school before spending the next 25 years of his teaching career with Frontier School Division at Wanipigow School, a school servicing the communities of Hollow Water, Seymourville, Manigotogan, Aghaming, and Bissett.

Ken was affectionately known by all of his colleagues, peers, and community members as a jolly and funny “Fella” or “Mr. Ellison” by hundreds of his students over the years. Many remember Ken for his courteous and personable greetings, shake of your hand, or a friendly wave from his car window as he passed you on the road during his frequent car rides throughout the community.

His students would recall him as a favourite teacher, with memories of his classic “Top Student of the Month” awards, field trips, and fantastic stories, filled with the best animated movements and intonation.

Throughout his life, Ken was a staunch supporter of the New Democratic Party, both provincially and federally. Many NDP candidates throughout the years could rely on Ken’s campaigning and support. He hosted many politicians in his little house in Seymourville, including the late Elijah Harper and former Manitoba premier Gary Doer. After his retirement from teaching, Ken would spend many years serving the community of Seymourville on local council and volunteering for municipal and provincial committees and initiatives throughout the province of Manitoba.

Ken loved politics about as much as he loved golf, travelling, and camping. Among his favourite places to travel were to the places of his childhood such as Goldstream Park in B.C, or to the lively, musical streets of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where he could practice speaking Spanish and kick up his heels in an attempt to Salsa dance. Ken was an avid reader, whether it be the newspaper or a good book. He was always on top of the news and events, and could debate or discuss topics happening locally or around the world with an endless energy, remarkable memory, and wit.

To his family, Ken was a loving husband, dad and “papa” bringing many laughs, stories, or words of wisdom to family gatherings. His wife Ida loved to make fun of him, and he could always make her laugh with his silly, youthful spirit. Ken had a passion for life and curiosity which he passed on to his children and grandchildren and he will be greatly missed. Ken was predeceased by his parents Bill and Verna, his sister Diane, and his brothers Richard and Warren. He is survived by his wife Ida; his children Angie, Jon (Erin), Lincoln (Penny), Darren, Sonya (Derek), Kenny Joe Jr. and Carlotta (Compton); his sister Brenda (Jack) and his brothers lan and Gerald; as well as his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Family friends farmer students, and col leagues are invited to attend:

Saturday March 11th, from 1-4pm at Voyage Funeral Home in St James, 472 Kirkfield St

The family would like to thank the staff of Park Manor Care Home in Transcona for the love and care they provided to Ken in the last years of his life.