Passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 10, 2019 with family by his side at the F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital, Moose Jaw, SK. Ken, at the age of 76, beloved husband of Loretta for over 53 years, loving father of Lori Hovington (Dave), Jo Overby, Troy Overby (Lisa), cherished grandfather of Marcus Hovington, Alexa Riediger (Craig), Chandra Hovington (Brett), Ty Overby, Rylyn Overby, Joshua Overby, Finn Overby, and great-grandfather of Violet Cornelson and Ethan Riediger. He will be greatly missed by his sister Delores Scarfe (Reg), and by his brother in-law Norman Gordon. Ken was born to Gilbert and Mary Overby in Ethelbert MB on May 23, 1942.
He grew up attending public school in Swan River, MB, but as a young man moved to Moose Jaw where he worked at a few places including Canaday's prior to becoming a Police Officer. It was at that time that a mutual friend took him to Ron Muir's Beauty Salon and introduced him to Loretta Gordon. The two were wed on July 24th, 1965 at Zion Church in Moose Jaw and began their family a year later with the birth of Lori, with Jo and Troy following. Everything Ken poured his heart and soul into everything he did. He was a very well liked and respected Police Officer, but also started Mini Land in Moose Jaw where people could bring their families for recreation.
He was heartbroken in the early 90's when serious health concerns forced him to step away from Mini Land and from Policing, however, his entrepreneurial spirit forced led him to invest his time in his woodworking skills and he was soon creating lawn ornaments, children's toys, and numerous other wood crafts which he would later sell at various craft sales in and around Moose Jaw. He treasured his vintage car, a 1985 Camaro Z-28 but he was most happy when he was spending time with his children, and especially his grandchildren.
He will be greatly missed by all of his nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends. All are welcome to a time of visitation on Thursday February 14th, from 7-9 p.m. at Parkview Funeral Chapel, 474 Hochelaga St. West, Moose Jaw. A Funeral Celebration will be held on Friday, February 15th, from the Parkview Chapel at 1:00 p.m. (Rev. Jordan Grant Officiating), and proceeding to Rosedale Cemetery where Ken will be laid to rest. Memorial Donations to the Sandra Schmirler Foundation for babies in need would be greatly appreciated. In living memory of Ken a memorial planting will be made by Jones-Parkview Funeral Services. Please see our online book of condolences at www.parkviewfuneralchapel.ca and www.wjjonesandson.com
