Ken Mitchell passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home in Kelowna, BC on December 22, 2018 at the age of 74.
A bumper sticker on the back of one of Ken’s trucks read, ‘A Lover, A Fighter, A Wild Bull Rider’ and it was true of him and how he lived each day of his life.
Ken Mitchell was born in Edmonton, Alberta, on February 8, 1944. Ken grew up in Westbank, BC, and returned to Alberta to graduate high school and attend NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) where he obtained an Engineering Diploma. Ken’s work ultimately brought him back to the Okanagan where he initially held a design position at White Western Star Trucking in Kelowna.
It was in Kelowna that he met the love of his life, Pat. Recently, they celebrated 44 years of marriage together. Pat was his best friend, partner and biggest supporter. Ken is also survived by his son, Gordon (his greatest pride), his daughter-in-law, Vivian (whom he respected deeply), his grandchildren, Ellis and Gabriel (whom he considered perfect, loved to spoil, and bragged about as only a grandpa could), and by three beautiful girls he considered his daughters; Centel Tucker, Decoa Harder, and Kylie Tucker.
Fifty years ago, Ken made the move from engineering to real estate, a career he truly loved. Ken’s love of the job came from the joy he took in helping people find new homes. He was well respected as a pillar in both the Kelowna and Big White real estate communities. Ken brokered many of the first deals at Big White back when the mountain only had a single t-bar. His business grew with the mountain, and it was his favourite place to be, working or not (but mostly working). Ken continued selling real estate into the final days of his life. In the end he was putting deals together from his hospital bed (much to the chagrin of Pat and Gordon).
The Okanagan’s four seasons provided for Ken’s love of golfing, skiing at Big White, and boating on Lake Okanagan. He felt wealthy to have all his travel buddies, golf buddies, ski buddies, and real estate colleagues and clients – many of whom became good friends and learned to appreciate Ken’s endless jokes (some even funny).
Ken loved life.
Ken fought to keep us all happy.
And he actually did ride brahma bulls at the Black Mountain Rodeo.
A celebration of Ken’s life will be held in the spring for friends and family.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Ken Mitchell February 8 1944
December 22 2018..
everden rust funeral services & cremation
Décès pour la Ville: Kelowna, Province: Colombie britanique