Kenneth “Ken” Becker

September 30, 1928 – July 3, 2022

Our family is sad to announce the loss of our Dad, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather on July 3, 2022.  Kenneth “Ken” Becker, was the fifth of six children born to Felix “Harry” and Natalie Becker, on September 30, 1928 in Melfort, SK.  He began his schooling in Melfort and continued his schooling in Norden when they moved there in 1937.  These were hard times for the family as it was for most during the depression years.  Ken was the proud owner of a mule and horse driven stook wagon with a threshing outfit at the tender age of 12.  When he was 15 he travelled by train to Ontario where he joined a harvest exchange program.  Ken tried many avenues of employment but truly remained a farmer at heart.  He began farming with his two brothers in 1949, and many happy times were spent out in the field.  Ken married Esther on March 14, 1953 in Penticton, BC, and they returned to Weldon to make their first home six miles north of Weldon on the Sigurd Sandness farm.  It was there that their first two sons were born, Vern on September 10, 1955 and Jim on October 22, 1956.  Their third son, Todd arrived on January 24, 1964.  Ken and Esther were a team.  Esther was gifted with many talents; crocheting, kitting, sewing, folk art painting as well as growing beautiful flowers and creating stunning window displays.  Ken encouraged and supported Esther’s artistry, using his own skills to saw and cut various shape and sizes of patterns for her to paint.  While working at Rickey’s, Esther’s window display won first prize, a trip for two to England and other parts of Europe.  They both cherished this trip through the years.  Ken and Esther participated in many craft sales and those profits provided them with the opportunity to enjoy winters in Parksville, BC and Arizona.   They both enjoyed working in the yard and Ken could often be found sitting on their front deck along with his beloved dog, watching the hummingbirds and robins and admiring the lovely flowers.  Together, Ken and Esther produced an abundance of home-grown fruits and vegetables which they shared for a meal or sent along home for others to enjoy.  They remained a devoted couple, and Esther’s passing left a huge void in Ken’s life.  Ken’s last days were spent at Birchview Nursing Home, close to where they had lived and farmed.  The highlight of his day was when family and friends came to visit him there.  It was always a special time for Ken when his grandchildren and his newest grandchild came to see him, and there was much laughter and fun when Todd brought his dogs along to share some time with him.  Lily, the resident cat at Birchview, was also a welcome visitor in his room where she was sure to receive much affection and many little treats from Ken.  Pets had a special place in his heart.

Ken is lovingly remembered by his son Vern Becker and his family, Brandy (John) and her son Dallas, and Travis; his son Jim Becker and his family, Misty and her daughters, Summer and Emery, and Chelsey and her daughter Layla; his son Todd (Kathy) Becker and his family, Zachary (Tyra) and their daughter, Adalynn as well as a new great-grandchild due on Great-Grandpa Ken’s birthday, Derek (Brook) and new baby due this month, and Brittney; his sister, Donna (John) Christopherson; as well as his good friends Stanley and Barb Robinson and Kathy’s parents, Chester and Lucille Ravndahl.   He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Esther (December 10, 2018); his parents, Felix “Harry” and Natalie Becker; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Harold (Joyce) Becker and Harry (Edna) Becker; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Ruby (Jack) McCloy and Audrey (Harold) Anderson; and his daughter-in-law, Verla Becker.

The family wishes to thank the Staff at Birchview Home for the outstanding care given to Ken during the very difficult COVID days, it was very greatly appreciated.  In lieu of other tributes, donations in memory of Ken may be made to Birchview Home, 7 Wilson St., Birch Hills, SK, S0J 0G0, or a charity of your choice.

• Date : 2022-07-03
• Location : Birch Hills, SK