Ken passed away peacefully early in the morning of Friday May 8, 2020 at the age of 76 in Orléans, Ontario. He is survived by his wife, Marielle, whom he loved and cherished for 53 years, his daughter Patricia (Paul), his son Philip (Ann-Marie) and four dearest grandchildren: Daniel, Emerson, Finley and Bennett.
Ken was predeceased by his parents, Philip Crabbe (2004) and Jean (née Milne) (1981); his much loved sister Linda (Orest Woloski) (2010) and four brothers: Ed (Shirley) (1999), Bob (2010) & (late Ev) (2016), Thomas (Suzanne) (1969) and Arthur(1981) & (late Gladys) (1977). He is survived by his sister Lorraine (Jos. Dutko) and five brothers: William (Doreen), LGen (Ret'd) Ray Crabbe, (Brenda), Darwin (the late Arlene) (2016), Donald (Lorill) and Garry; also, three sisters-in-law: Lucille (late Roger Couture) (2015), Monique Gervais, Thérèse Gervais (Abdel El Kazoui) and many nephews, nieces and cousins.
For Ken, family was of topmost importance and therefore he was a role model for his own children. Indeed, from 1982 to 2002, Ken took great joy to be part of the Crabbe's Family Reunion! He was born and raised in Neepawa, one of the nicest towns of Manitoba, and in 1962 as a young adult he was the first among five brothers to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces. After serving three years in the Royal Canadian Navy (Cornwallis, NS) on HMCS Chaudière (DDE 235), he transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force where he spent thirty fulfilling years in the Logistics Branch, first at CFB St-Hubert, QC, followed by Lahr, West Germany with NATO. Back in Canada in 1976, he continued to serve his country at CFB Downsview, ON including 6 months as a Peacekeeper for the UN in Ismailia, Egypt. In 1983 Ken was posted to CFB St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC the same city where in 1965 he had met his future wife, Marielle. Ken concluded his well accomplished military career at NDHQ, Ottawa where he retired in 1995 in the rank of Master Warrant Officer. No doubt he could have said with pride: “Mission accomplie!”
As a person, Ken was meticulous and patient and a man of many talents. During his youth, he enjoyed drawing, calligraphy, creating cartoons and woodwork. Once retired, he was able to dedicate his free time to other interests: researching and updating the Crabbe family tree, stamp collections and not the least making beautiful stained glass. Ken found beauty in nature and that was reflected in much of his art and glass work.
Like his siblings, he enjoyed outdoor activities: gardening, maintaining his yard (never a weed to be seen) and was always the first one on the street to clear the snow from the driveway. He enjoyed daily walks with his dogs (Nicky and Cousto) along the beautiful Ottawa River near Petrie Island. Camping was a favorite family activity while travelling through Europe, the New England states, and the Kawartha Lakes in Ontario.
Ken loved sports and was a great team player. He had the reputation of being a staunch goalie and defenceman in hockey and a strong catcher in softball! Ken always cheered for the Boston Bruins, the New York Yankees and Manchester United.
His favourite authors were Louis L' Amour and James Elliot. Ken was an unconditional fan of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. His favorite TV series were MASH, Cheers, Mr. Bean, Murdoch Mysteries and Mission Impossible. Music was always present in his life, his favorites being Neil Diamond, Floyd Cramer, John Denver, Anne Murray, Gordon Lightfoot and Jim Reeves. During the summers, he and Marielle enjoyed the Chamber Music Festival, his favorite being the Vienna Piano Trio, the St. Lawrence Quartet, and violinist Adrian Butterfield. At home he excelled preparing delicious Chinese food and the best breakfasts ever. Paul, Patricia‘s partner, had a name for it: The Kingfisher Special!
Such a kind heart, Ken was always willing to help everyone around him. His dry sense of humour was always appreciated by family and friends. However, in 2008, such a healthy and clever man was diagnosed with dementia, a cruel degenerative disease. Nevertheless, he endured its ordeal, being so brave and gracious till the end when he was taken by the COVID-19 virus.
Our family would like to express their deep appreciation to the staff of Laurier Manor and Residence St. Louis for their compassionate and attentive care.
Ken was a dedicated and loving family man. Everyone who shared his life was indeed blessed and for that he will be dearly missed. A Private Funeral with interment will be held at the National Military Cemetery,280 Beechwood Ottawa on Friday July 3,2020.
Please note the service can be viewed by live stream on the following website via: https://video.isilive.ca/kencrabbe/ on Friday July 3 at 1 p.m.
Memorial donations to the Salvation Army would be very much appreciated. Online: https://secure.salvationarmy.ca/registrant/DonationPage.aspx?EventID=226583 Phone: 1-800-725-2769.
Digital Guestbook
Bill and Doreen
Darlene Gillies (Davie)
Kenny was a great guy and always fun to be around! May he Rest In Peace! Take Care!
Lorill Crabbe
Ken was a wonderful man and I am honoured to have known him. Wish we could have been there in person. xox
Bill Nicholson
I recall Ken from our schooldays in Neepawa, MB.. Always such a nice fellow and the big impressions he made on me where his artistic ability..one of my clearest memories is having my desk next to his in one of the elementary grades when Les McCance (CBC I believe) art lessons were piped through the intercom..Ken would finish what I thought was a masterpiece in short order while I, and many of the classmates struggled to get done in the allotted time (half hour think)..and am embarrassed to described how mine usually turned out. He was a good athlete and was very good goalie on some of minor teams.Condolence to all family members. RIP>
Bill Nicholson
Went to school and played minor hockey in Neepawa with Ken..Admired him for his talent as an artist..sat in desk next to Ken when we had the Ches McCance art classes piped in on the school intercom. Ken could draw a masterpiece in short order while I for one struggle at length to finish what probably could best be described as a comic effort..Ken was a very good goalie on out minor hockey teams..Condolences to all his family members.RIP.
Lloyd and Sharron Campbell
While we didn't know Ken, we certainly know Ray & Brenda and are saddened by the loss of your brother. As a former Air Force officer, may I offer my most sincere thanks to Ken for his many years of honourable service to Canada and the world. Per Ardua Ad Astra.
Gary Hollink
Message for Ken Crabbe’s Family.
It wasq with shock and great sadness that today I saw the photo of my military colleague, Ken Crabbe , as another casualty in the war against COVID19.
Since retiring from the Regular Branch of the Canadian Forces in1989 , I lost contact with many of my former associates, including Ken.
But what immediately came to mind was the rewarding experiences of working together with Ken as my very competent Warrant Officer in the Mat Traffic Section in CB Lahr Germany during the 1973 to 75 period. He was a highly skilled Transportation Specialist who dealt with numerous stressful situations with calm confidence and good humour. He was superb with the troops and was extremely supportive to myself as a newly arrived member of the team. We worked together as colleagues and friends, who from time to time would also share a great German beer . I have many great memories and consider it an honour to have served in the CF with Ken. I want to extend my personal and sincere condolences to Marielle and the entire Crabbe family. Gary Hollink
Peter Weir
I know its late but just found out that Ken Passed. I worked with Ken and attended a few courses with him when i was a young Cpl. Rest in Peace Ken, great man and greater leader.
A very nice service for a very nice man, who will be greatly missed.