Kenneth “Ken” Parker
September 29, 1938 – September 10, 2017

It is with broken hearts that the family announces the sudden and unexpected death of Mr. Kenneth “Ken” William Parker 78 years of Lanigan on Sunday, September 10, 2017 near Lanigan.  Ken was born on September 29, 1938 to Cameron and Clara (nee Jackenchenski) Parker at Neilburg, SK.  He obtained all of his education there.  Ken was very active in all sports, with hockey and ball being his favourite.  He was known as the “lamp lighter” a very tough and rugged hockey player on the outside but a very gentle sole on the inside who loved to have fun.  He then moved to Swan River, MB to work at the TD bank.  Later he moved to Saskatoon and worked at Safeway.  It was while here that he met the love of his life Gloria Onishenko while agreeing to go on a blind date with her.  Within the year the two were wed on September 14, 1968 at Prince Albert, SK at the Calvary United Church.  This union was blessed with two children Tracey and Travis. The adventurous person that Ken was he decided it was time to move on and start his own business, so in 1975 they moved to Lanigan and began KG Furniture & Appliance LTD.  Shortly after opening the store this young lad Jerry Senko who was 15 at the time came into Ken’s life and became like a son to him.  Jerry worked for Ken until 1985.  Ken mentored Jerry, and taught him many valuable lessons in business and life in general. The family accepted Jerry as the “older brother” and is still very much a part of the family.  Ken’s warm and loving heart was very apparent in how he treated Jerry. Ken became very active in the community immediately, and his store became the gathering place for coffee and conversations.  It was here that many of the world issues were solved and great discussions on the sports outcomes were held, especially of local and national sport games and trivia.  He ran his business just a little different than many, he ran it with his heart.  If you were in need of furniture Ken would strike you a deal and make a payment plan to fit your budget and always trusted the customer to hold up their end of the deal, which they usually did.  Ken was very active in his children’s lives supporting and encouraging them with their endeavours, he was very proud of their accomplishments. Both Tracey and Travis followed their dad’s love of business, both became business owners, Tracey as a hair stylist and Travis as an industrial contractor.  He also enjoyed curling from the couch or from the ice he loved the game very much.  Ken was also active as a volunteer firefighter in Lanigan and a member of Lions Club.  He coached and helped many children in the community.  Family was always #1 in Ken’s life and having a fun time with them and his wide circle of close friends. Sports, sports and more sports was his passion he was an avid fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Blue Jays and of course Saskatchewan Roughriders.  As a family they had many fun camping, fishing and hunting trips.  Ken’s personality was one of giving, loving and having fun living life to the fullest with a smile on his face while surrounded by many people.  Ken’s life took a twist when the grandchildren started to arrive they were his pride and joy and thoroughly loved being with them and was very proud of them all including Jerry’s two sons.  Ken will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of almost 49 years Gloria (nee Onishenko) Parker of Lanigan and his two children and five grandchildren: Tracey (Les) Krieger of Saskatoon and children Jayden, Cade and Teegan and Travis (Brandy) Parker of Lanigan and children Declan and Molly; and his special family member Jerry (Tracey) Senko of Regina and sons Bradley and Jeffrey; sisters: Isabel (Doug) Einsiedler, Delorse Leedahl, Ardell (Lambert) Nagy, Shannon Parker all of Saskatoon and Debbie (Barry) Sklapsky of Nanaimo, BC; brother-in-law Bob (Tina) McConnell of Saskatoon; mother-in-law Mable Onishenko of P.A.; members of Gloria’s family: Dorothy (Gerry) Kosowan of Weirdale, Dale (Florence) Onishenko of Lanigan and Lila (Kerry) Sereda of Candle Lake and by numerous nieces and nephews and many good friends.  Ken was predeceased by his parents Cameron and Clara Parker; sister Shirley McConnell and father-in-law Ed Onishenko.   A Celebration of Ken’s life was held on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Lanigan Community Center. Led by, Jeanette Warrian. Memorial donations in Ken’s memory may be directed to Lanigan Fire Department or Lanigan Lions Club.

This notice placed courtesy of
Malinoski & Danyluik Funeral Home
Phone: 682-1622