Obituary Overview
Kenneth William Manuel
With sorrowful hearts the family of Kenneth William Manuel of Waverley, announce his passing on Sept. 6, 2018 at the Victoria General Hospital at the age of 93. Born in Dartmouth on March 19, 1925, he was a son of the late Charles Benjamin and Helena May (Isenor) Manuel. He is survived by his wife Esta (Munroe) Manuel, two daughters, Louisa and Kirste (Peter) and was blessed with his one granddaughter, Arianna Haseloh. He very much loved his Arianna and would often say she was his living doll. His is also survived by brother Weyburn as well as three sisters, Glenys, Helen and Elizabeth “Betty”.
Besides his parents Ken was predeceased by brothers Carleton, Ronald, Milton and infant sister Gladys.
Ken was born at home on Rodney Rd. with doctor and VON assistance. His mother said that he came in on a snowflake. Ken descended from several generations of Dartmouthians. He loved Dartmouth and Dartmouth history. At one point he was the Secretary of the Dartmouth Museum society.
Ken enlisted in the armed forces during WWII. He was transferred to the Merchant Marine to supply the convoy assembled in Halifax Harbour. He served on a supply tanker for the duration of WWII and sailed overseas after the war. Following his wartime contribution, Ken moved to British Columbia for eight years. Upon his return to Nova Scotia he invested in some real estate and embarked on some renovation ventures. He also worked for DeStephen’s Plumbing and Heating during this time and often his soon to be wife, Esta would see him pedaling along while she rode the bus to work over the MacDonald bridge to Halifax. Ken co-founded Value Rental and Sales, now Value Sales Ltd., with Doug Munroe in 1958. Value Sales Ltd. celebrates its 60th year this month.
Ken married the love of his life Esta June 6, 1959 in East Hartford, Connecticut. They met through her uncle, Douglas Munroe. Esta moved to Nova Scotia to be with her love. Ken and Esta were always together, he was a wonderful husband and father.
Ken loved music and especially loved listening to his daughter Louisa sing. He had a very good memory for songs and continued to sing during his illness. He had an excellent memory for the words to even the most obscure of songs. Often he would take to singing a song to his wife Esta.
Ken and Esta were members of the Olde Colony Social Club of Dartmouth. They were encouraged to join by their good friends and neighbours, Don and Majorie Spears. Many happy times were spent dancing, attending barbeques and other events.
Ken had great respect for living creatures and would often make an effort to put even a moth outside. One time he was asked why he did this and his answer was, ‘All creatures want to live.’
Ken learned to Scuba dive in his 40’s. He also took sailing lessons so he could sail his sailboat at his summer cottage in Blind Bay. He learned to ski in his late 60’s and joined a skating club in his 70’s. He loved skating and continued this activity into his 80’s. He also loved gardening and the pond at his home. Ken knew a lot about birds and animals and enjoyed observing them. He read the newspaper from front to back every day his entire life and tore out the articles that he thought others would find of interest. Ken touched the lives of many people over the years and will be greatly missed.
A visitation will be held at Atlantic Funeral Homes 771 Main Street Dartmouth on Wednesday September 12, 2018 from 12-2pm with a funeral service to follow.
In lieu of flowers donations in Ken’s memory may be made to Hope for Wildlife, SPCA or charity of your choice.
To leave an online condolence please visit www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com (Dartmouth Chapel)
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Kenneth William Manuel 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: Dartmouth, Province: Nova Scotia
