Kenneth Melhoff

MELHOFF, Kenneth Ray, age 83 of Swift Current passed away peacefully in his sleep at home March 9, 2019. The memorial service was held Friday, March 15, 2019 at 2:00 pm from the Community Baptist Church with Pastor Joell Haugen officiating. Honorary pallbearers were all those who shared in his life. Ken is survived by his wife of 60 years Doreen, children Steven Melhoff of Saskatoon, Judy Melhoff of Saskatoon, Jennifer Hennig (Craig) of Swift Current and Paul Melhoff of Swift Current, grandchildren Devon Hennig (Nicole) of Toronto, Jarrett Hennig of Abu Dhabi, UAE, Kristin Kurtenbach of Saskatoon and Hannah Kurtenbach of Saskatoon, brother in law John Remple (Shauna) of Swift Current and sister in law Vicki Field of Swift Current, plus numerous nieces, nephews and close friends. He was predeceased by parents Emil and Zetta (nee Clancy) Melhoff, daughter Lori Ellen in infancy, sister Phyllis Harper, brothers Douglas and Merl Melhoff, sisters in law Lorraine and Faye Melhoff, nephew Kim Melhoff, step mother Isa May Melhoff, mother and father in law Helen Simonson and Edward Remple, brother in law Marvin Remple and sister in law Carolyn Remple. Ken was born on February 5th, 1936 in Swift Current. He attended Central school and Beatty Collegiate/SCCI, graduating in 1954. He married Doreen Remple on June 6th, 1958 in Swift Current. After sadly losing their first born Lori in 1959, Steven was born in 1960, Judy in 1961, Jennifer in 1965 and Paul in 1970. Ken and Doreen built their first family home in 1960 where they stayed for the next 58 years. Everywhere you looked in the house and yard had Ken's personal touch. Ken joined the family business at Melhoff Electric in 1954 at the age of 18 and received his Journeyman designation in 1960. The stories he would share about his years, experiences and coworkers at Melhoff's were funny, poignant, sometimes 'shocking' but always told with much enthusiasm, laughter and affection, as was dad's way. He retired from Melhoff's in 1991, going on to work various other positions at the Wheatland Mall, Al's Electric and MidWest Electric. His last years of work were at Home Hardware, where he found a new work family who embraced his wry humor and vast electrical knowledge. For years, Ken was involved with the Swift Current Kinsman organization, sitting on council and performing many board and community activities. For many years, Ken enjoyed weekly coffee outings with his life-long school friends-Frank, Biss and Murray to name a few; they never lost touch, and he loved visiting and reminiscing with them. In 1994, Ken and Doreen joined the Community Baptist Church and he was baptised into the Christian faith in 1995. He has been an active member ever since, until his health took a turn these last months. Ken had many special interests and hobbies at which he excelled. His artistic talents were naturally born and envied by many; he created many intricate wood carvings, built beautiful birdhouses, made personalized signs and keepsakes for the kids and grandkids; he could create anything from a wheel barrow full of rocks or bricks, paint lovely woodland and nature scenes and could doodle like a Disney animator. For those who knew Ken best, his love of baseball and especially the Cleveland Indians was like none other. He had the opportunity to travel to New York in 1954 and 1955 with his dad to see the World Series, where his beloved and mighty Indians took to the field but sadly were swept in 4 games each year. Dad would patiently wait year after year for them to return to the finals, but sadly never made the trip again. Just 2 weeks ago he was telling us how he could hardly wait for the MLB season to begin. Ken was the most wonderful husband, father, father in law, grandfather, family member and friend to many. He especially loved to make us all laugh with his funny stories, wry wit and teasing ways, but he was a patient, loving, generous, gentle, incredibly intelligent man, and always there for his family. He will be greatly missed by all of us and by this entire community. The family would like to take the opportunity to thank the many friends and extended family members for their offers of condolences, kind words, flowers and food deliveries following Ken's passing. Special thanks to doctors Gordon and Bakare for their years of care for dad with his health needs, and the physio team at Clover House. Thanks to Pastor Joell for the kind words, support and for being there during this difficult time. Many thanks to Warren's Funeral Home for all their assistance. Donations in Ken's memory can be made to the Community Baptist Church or the Canadian Mental Health Association. Warren's Funeral Home were entrusted with the arrangements. For further information call 306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606 or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy on the family tribute wall.

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