Kenneth (Ken) Charles Van Caeseele aged 89 years of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 4th, 2024. Ken was born April 24th, 1934 at Langenburg, Saskatchewan to Mary and Camillus Van Caeseele, the youngest of nine children. He attended school in Langenburg and at a young age, he decided to quit school to work on the farm, where his mechanical and farming skills would grow.
Ken moved to Flin Flon, Manitoba to seek employment. Ken met the love of his life, his wife Marie (née: Ottoson), and they married in 1956. Together they raised five children - Kim, James, Julie, Ernest, and David in the “barn area” until 1972.
Ken was a jack of all trades and was a longtime employee of Modern Dairies. Following his passion for farming, the family moved to Hussar, Alberta where he would tend cows and work the land. Ken and Marie had a small upholstery business and nothing but their best work left their shop. As a couple they shared their love of animals. Ken and Marie loved to dance and were so graceful on the dance floor, often compared to Fred and Ginger.
Alberta was a good move for them, and they made many lifelong friends there. Time was spent bowling, playing cards, camping, consuming beverages, lawn darts, and cribbage until the wee hours of the morning. Ken enjoyed visiting with friends and family.
In 1980, Ernest, their fourth born son, was tragically killed working the rigs in Lloydminster. Their large group of friends and family were very supportive to them at this difficult time.
Ken was given an opportunity to work for specialty crop farmers in Riverhurst, SK. He had just enough knowledge to be dangerous and seen this as a challenge.
In 2006 a celebration was held in honour of Ken and Marie’s 50th Wedding Anniversary. Ken also celebrated Fourth and Fifth Generation pictures with his family. In 2008 Ken had to say farewell to Marie.
Ken remained in Riverhurst until his retirement at the age of 83. He then moved into Mulberry Estates in Moose Jaw, SK and lived a very active life there, enjoying a lot of activities he used to do and trying new ones. He would never pass by an ice cream shop. Ken sought out adventure by travelling to places he had never been before. Ken enjoyed time spent with all his friends and enjoyed hugs as they were free.
Ken remained in good health until just before his passing.
He was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Camillus; wife, Marie; daughter, Kim Fontaine; son, Ernest; infant granddaughter, Mary; grandson, Lyle Hunter; brothers: Norbert, Joe, James, and George; and sisters: Subina, Irene, and Leona. Ken is survived by his sister, Marion Smandych; sons, Jim and David (Deanna); daughter, Julie (Bob); grandchildren: Chris (Tricia) Hunter, Aaron (Jolene) Van Caeseele, Ernie Van Caeseele, Shawn Lawson, Sacha (Tyler) Lawson, Krista Lawson, and Noah Van Caeseele; great-grandchildren: Kenneth, Emily and Wyatt Hunter, Kira Neimor, Christopher Jr. Hunter, Cheyenne Van Caeseele, and Georgia Giesbrecht; and great-great-grandchildren: Violet Neimor and Corvin Neimor.
Ken was a son, brother, husband, father, uncle, greatest grandpa, and friend. We will Miss You Dad.
A private family gathering will take place at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Ken’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com
