It is with great sadness that we announce Ken’s passing in Vancouver, BC, where he was born and raised. Ken is predeceased by his wife Verna, parents Joseph and Agnes, brothers Joseph and John (Jack) and sister Margaret Centrone. He is survived by his brother Don; children Steve (Donna), Ron (Annamaria), and Susan (Richard); and grandchildren Kevin, Brandon, Kurtis, and Cathy; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Ken was a kind and caring person and was a devoted husband to Verna for 61 years before her passing. He was a family man and being a dad and grandpa were his priorities.
Ken enjoyed a successful career as a Vancouver Firefighter for 36 years and retired as a Battalion Chief in 1991.
Ken was a gifted soccer player and was well known in the soccer community. He was the premier goalie of the soccer scene in the 1950’s and 1960’s and many considered him to be the finest goalkeeper that Canada had ever produced. He played on Canada’s World Cup soccer team in the 1957-58 World Cup qualifying games in Mexico, and toured Russia with the National Team in 1960. Throughout most of his career Ken played goalkeeper for the Vancouver Firefighters. In the course of his career he played on nine Dominion Cup Teams and two National Teams.
All Ken’s friends and family will cherish the many fond memories they have of sharing fun times with him whether it was camping in Oliver, weekends at the Whistler cabin, vacationing in Maui, or relaxing at Bridge Lake and in the Shuswap.
Ken also enjoyed golfing, fishing, gardening, walking, skiing, barbeques, and happy hours with his friends. He was a very kind-hearted man and a man of action. Ken loved helping out his family, friends and neighbours in any way he could, and sharing a conversation with people he met out in the community or just walking by his house. He made others feel special.
Ken, you will be remembered for being an incredible person whom will be missed by all. We know you are now enjoying your happy hours with mom once again.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 pm on Sunday, February 5, 2023, at the Burnaby Mountain Clubhouse (Burnaby Golf Course), 7600 Halifax Street, Burnaby, BC. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Ken’s memory may be made to the BC Professional Firefighter’s Burn Fund.