Ken Box

Family respectfully request that those attending be double vaccinated.

Ken was born to James and Exilia on Friday, January 14, 1944 and grew up in Winnipeg.

Ken passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 5, 2022.  He had multiple battles with cancer starting in 2006, and won several rounds, each time taking the treatments available.  This last round, his oncologist gave him a couple of options with Ken responding that he would take “the full meal deal”.

Ken is survived by his wife Val Miron; daughters Carol Buchberger and Debbie Erickson (Tyler); stepchildren Tracy Gallagher (Richard Helstrom) and Jamie Gallagher (Angela); grandchildren Cole Buchberger, Carlie Buchberger (Alex Cormier), Riley Box, Karen LeForte, Ashley Sass, Megan Gallagher (Kirk McGean), Mahalia Gallagher; great grandchildren Dominic Ducharme, Elizabeth LeForte, Gideon LeForte; sister Anne Lavallee (Claude); brother Jack Box (Karen Grymonprez); sisters-in-law Jan McDonald (Rick Hay) and Wanda Miron; brothers- in-law Ralph Miron and Tim Miron along with numerous nephews and nieces.

Ken started his career as a pipe fitter with C.N. in Winnipeg, he moved to Gillam in 1968 and worked with Manitoba Hydro, moving to The Pas in 1974 where he worked for C.N., then at the Pulp and Paper Mill, from there he opened his own business Box’s Repair.  Ken obtained his Class 1 drivers’ licence and drove semi-trucks for a time working on the log haul, gravelling, moving equipment, etc.  He returned to the Pulp and Paper Mill and ended his career driving semi-trucks for Ken Bennett, the job he loved the most.

Ken enjoyed the simple things in life, hunting, fishing, and camping.  He enjoyed meeting people at the campgrounds.  Val told him he was like the ambassador (Walmart greeter) at the campground; he could strike up a conversation with anyone and would share his knowledge on good places to fish or just chat.  He was a very social man.  Ken had a very colourful vocabulary.  Throughout the 30 years he was with Val, she was amazed with some of the phrases he came up with wondering how his brain worked.

Ken loved his family and would do anything for them. He was proud of his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments.

In keeping with Ken’s wishes, cremation took place and a celebration of Ken’s life was held on Friday, May 13, 2022, 1:00 pm, Christ Church Anglican, The Pas, with Rev. Jann Brooks presiding.

Memorial donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba, ON1160 – 675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg MB, R3E 0V9 or The Pas Handi-Van, Box 3028, The Pas, MB, R9A 1R7.

The family would like to thank Dr. Marie Noel, Bev Rivalin from The Pas Cancer Care, the doctors and nurses in ER for the great care they gave to Ken.  Words cannot express the gratitude and admiration to Riley who so lovingly looked after his PaPa at home, keeping him comfortable right to the end.