Kenneth George « Ken » Strugnell
1950-2018
Kenneth George « Ken » Strugnell –
67, Middle Sackville. With deep sadness we announce that Ken passed
away peacefully at home on February 19, 2018, after a 26-day battle
with cancer. Ken maintained his positive outlook on life and sense of
humour throughout his illness until his last day.
Ken’s first priority in life was always his family. Ken’s
relationship with Marg (his wife of 42 years) set a shining example of
love and commitment. After meeting at the Jubilee Boat Club in 1973,
he and Marg enjoyed many years of attending dances, going out for
dinner, seeing live hockey games, relaxing at the beach, spending time
with friends, going for Sunday drives, hosting family get-togethers,
and traveling.
Ken was extremely proud of his daughters, Angela and Jillian,
as well as their husbands, Adam and Kyle, who he embraced with open
arms. He was also blessed with a son, Ashley, and grandson, Jarred,
who were welcomed into his family later in life. Children of all ages
loved Ken, and he could often be found having long conversations with,
reading to, or crawling around on the floor playing with them. This
part of Poppy’s personality will be especially missed by his
littlest grandsons, Charlie, Emmett and Elias – who he
dubbed his best buddies. Ken was born and raised in Halifax with seven
brothers and sisters, who have remained close over the
years.
He attended Q.E.H., Saint Mary’s, and Dalhousie
before beginning a 32-year career as a teacher at Sidney Stephen, A.J.
Smeltzer, and Sackville High. He impacted the lives of countless
students, who continued to reach out to him during his illness. In
addition to teaching, Ken was the proud owner of Q.B.H. Construction
Ltd. for over 30 years, where his clients’ total
satisfaction was the top priority. Ken was a devoted and loyal friend,
maintaining many friendships for more than forty years. He organized
everything from weekend sports trips to weekly gatherings at Tim
Hortons to annual dinners and golf tournaments. Being physically
active was important to Ken, and he particularly enjoyed taking long
walks through Sackville with his grandsons. He played many years of
gentlemen’s hockey and softball, along with coaching
hundreds of teenagers throughout the years on school hockey
teams.
Ken was an active member of Knox United Church for 34 years,
serving as elder and on many committees, including as Chair of the
Church Council and Spiritual Oversight Committee. He also spent 18
years as the energetic M.C. of the Soda Shoppe Gang – a group of
volunteer singers and musicians who raised over $800,000 for local
charities – WOW! Ken had a passion for travel. He organized
many school trips for students throughout his years as an educator,
believing strongly that every student should have an opportunity to
travel. After retiring from teaching, he organized five trips to
Europe for adults, which always had waiting lists of people wanting
« in » on the inevitable fun and adventure. Whatever Ken
decided to become involved with, he put all of himself into making
sure it was a success and bettered the lives of others in some way.
His death is an immense loss not only for his family and friends, but
his community at large.
Ken is survived by his mother, Lillian (Riles) Strugnell,
Herring Cove; wife, Marg (McDougall); daughters, Angela (Adam) Rose,
Middle Sackville; Jillian Strugnell (Kyle Godfrey), Lucasville; son,
Ashley (Jenn) Newell, Burlington, Ontario; grandchildren, Charlie
Rose, Emmett and Elias Godfrey, Jarred Newell; sisters, Alice (Peter)
Moriarty, Halifax; Shirley (Kenny) Morris, Dartmouth; Louise (Greg)
Sewart, Harrietsfield; Betty Strugnell, Herring Cove; Clara Asprey,
Halifax; Hope Riles-Gagne (Claude Gagne), Beaver Bank; brother, Leslie
Strugnell, St. Margaret’s Bay; many nieces, nephews, great
nieces and great nephews. Ken was predeceased by his father, Ronald
Strugnell; brother, Ronnie Strugnell. Ken’s family would
like to thank the VON and Palliative Care team for their exceptional
care and concern.
Ken’s family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8
p.m., Thursday, February 22, 2018 in Knox United Church, 567 Sackville
Drive, Lower Sackville, where the funeral service will be held at 12
p.m., Friday, February 23, 2018, Reverend Bob Chapman
officiating. Reception will follow in the church hall. Interment in
Oakridge Memorial Gardens. Family flowers only. If so desired,
donations in Ken’s memory to Knox United Church (General
Fund) are welcomed.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall –
Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Private messages of
condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Ken’s
obituary on-line and selecting « Send A Condolence » at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Kenneth George Ken Strugnell 19502018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia
