DAKIN, John Kenneth (Ken) passed away peacefully on Wednesday January 16, 2019. He was 98 and lived a full life. He is survived by his son Michael, daughter Christie, grandchildren Kayla (Sepehr), Graeme, Alexander, Matthew and Nicholas, brother Eric (Bernita) and many beloved nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by loving wife Gustine and his brothers Stanley, Douglas and Lawrence. He also leaves behind close friends and extended family who loved and respected him and will cherish many fond memories.

Ken was born in Nanaimo, British Columbia on April 20, 1920, the son of Charles Dakin and Hilda May Shaw.

After growing up in Nanaimo with his four brothers, Ken moved to Prince Rupert at the age of 18. He then joined the Canadian Army and served in Canada and Europe during World War II. After returning from the war, Ken obtained his Bachelor of Commerce from UBC and Masters of Commerce from Queens University, majoring in Labour Relations.

He initially joined Canadian Pacific Airlines in 1950 as a Labour Relations Specialist. Ken served with Canadian Pacific for the next 32 years in an accomplished career where he travelled the world and rose to the highest levels of the largest corporation in Canada at the time.

With Canadian Pacific Airlines, Ken progressed from being Director Industrial Relations to Assistant VP Sales and Traffic. He worked closely with Grant McConachie and many other aviation pioneers of the day. During his time with CP Air, he managed a number of challenging labour relations issues and laid the foundation for the industrial relations, personnel, sales and marketing functions for the company.

In 1971 Ken was promoted to an executive role with CP Limited in Montreal, working with the legendary Ian Sinclair, where he held the positions of Vice-President Personnel and Pensions, Vice-President, Administration and Chairman and Senior Executive Officer, CP Ships. He moved back to Vancouver in 1976 and held the position of Executive Vice-President CP Air until he retired from CP Air at the age of 62.

After his formal retirement Ken was actively involved in a number of business ventures, notably with Edgecombe Realty where he leveraged his ability to manage pension funds among his many talents.

Ken was an avid sailor and enjoyed numerous sailing adventures with his family and long-time friend Eric MacFarlane. He also enjoyed fishing trips to Campbell River and Ucluelet with his many friends.

He married Gustine Alice Lietze in 1954, started a family and was a devoted husband and father. He built a cottage in Departure Bay where wonderful summer adventures were shared with his family and with the family of his brother Lawrence, with whom Ken was very close. Ken always stayed connected with his brothers and extended family, including the Shaw family back in England. He was a very devoted family man and taught his children the qualities of hard work, discipline, providing for family and caring for others. Ken had an immensely positive influence on everyone he met and was always giving back to the community.

In his later years, Ken unwaveringly maintained his positive outlook, indomitable spirt, relentless energy and never lost his sense of charm. He touched the hearts of everyone who encountered him. He was a true gentleman.

Ken possessed a certain drive to get the most out of life. He was always busy. Always had a project on the go. Never complained. Deeply caring and devoted to friends and family. Ken was truly an accomplished and beloved soul.

Our family extends their heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude for the wonderful kindness and compassionate care of everyone associated with the South Granville Park Lodge where Ken resided comfortably during his final three years.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 2 at Canadian Memorial Church in Vancouver with a reception to follow at the Vancouver Lawn and Tennis Club.