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Ronald DeEll Ronald DeEll Ronald DeEll

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Ronald Kenneth DeEll

October 20, 1949 - September 28, 2024

Tribute

Ronald Kenneth DeEll, “Ken” wrote the last sentence in his book of life on September 28, 2024, at 2:18 pm.  Born October 20, 1949, in Berwick, Nova Scotia to parents Leander and Amy DeEll.  Ken is survived by his wife of 51 years Lois, only daughter Kimberley DeEll, and sister Gertrude DeEll.  Predeceased by his father Leander, mother Amy, and brother Henry.

Ken moved to BC from Nova Scotia at the young age of 21, met Lois in 1972 and soon married in April of 1973.  Ken and Lois moved to Port Alice in 1973 where Ken worked at the Port Alice pulp mill and then Crown Zellerbach in Kokish until 1975 when they moved to Cowichan Station.  Ken began working for BC Forest Products in Crofton in 1975.  In 1977 Ken and Lois purchased their first home in Crofton where they raised their daughter.  Ken retired from the mill in 2009 after a long and dedicated career to the pulp side of the mill.  Ken met many lifelong friends at the mill, many of whom he was still acquainted with until his last days.

In Ken’s early teens he joined the air cadet squadron in Greenwood, Nova Scotia.  In 1968 Warrant Officer Ken DeEll was awarded a trophy for “Outstanding work in Air Cadets.”  He was immensely proud of his trophy, of which is still in his possession.  During the 1980’s and early 1990’s Ken was the Commanding Officer for Air Cadet Squadron 257 Ladysmith and 744 Squadron in Duncan.  He was known as a firm Commanding Officer as well as one who taught respect, leadership, and service to the community.  Several of the cadets Ken led continue to be in touch with him.

Ken loved Nascar racing, Dale Earnhart being a favored driver, until his untimely death.  Ken also loved wood working and built a large shop in the backyard where he spent many hours building things with the highest craftsmanship.

At the age of 50 he had his first heart attack, followed two months later with a second.  Shortly after his initial heart attack, Ken changed his lifestyle completely.  He started walking to work, eating healthier, and made better overall health choices.  He soon took over the cooking in the home and made some amazing meals and baked really good pies.

In 2010, Ken began running at the age of 61 with the Ceevacs running group. He spent many hours training and training others.  Ken ran his first marathon in 2015, but his most prized run was the 2017 Army Run in Ottawa.  He completed the Commander’s Challenge of running 5 kms and then followed with a half marathon.  The Commander’s Challenge medal is one of his most prized possessions.  An additional highlight for Ken was running on the site of the original Olympics in Olympia, Greece, in 2014.

For many years Ken had a love of the Canadian Air Force Snowbird Demonstration Team.  He attended as many airshows as he could. He and Lois would go to Comox when the Snowbirds were spring training on the base and take thousands of photos.  Ken’s last airshow was in Comox in May of 2024.  He had many photos taken with the crew and the aircraft.

Ken was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 2018, and he fought as hard as he could for 6 years.  The cancer took over his body in all ways and he had to give up running shortly after diagnosis.  Ken entered Cowichan Hospice House on September 14, 2024, exactly where he wanted to spend his last days.  In the early hours of September 28th Ken started his final race of life.  Lois and Kim were at his bedside until the bitter end with supports from close friends.  Ken completed his race at 2:18 pm, finally pain and cancer free.

Special thanks for supporting Ken’s final race go to the nurses of Cowichan Hospice House, his physician team: Dr. Mark Sanders, Dr. Teresa Elliot, Dr. Andrea Wilhelm, Dr. Howard Pai, Dr. Adam Fundytus, Dr. William Nielsen, and Dr. Drew Phillips

Anyone wishing to donate in Ken’s name, please do so to the Cowichan Hospice House.

Celebration of Life

Saturday, November 9th at 2 pm. at

H. W Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre

2853 Roberts Road, Duncan, BC.

 

 

Condolences

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From: H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre

H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre staff send our condolences to family and friends.

From: Dale Letourneau
Relation: our children went to school together

With many hugzz to Lois and Kim – from old Crofton neighbours, Dale, Eli and Vanessa.

From: 📔 You have received 1 email № 432. Open - https://telegra.ph/Go-to-your-personal-cabinet-08-25?hs=75f568bce3ffdea4b194bbdf7c58efe8& 📔

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From: Joseph Camilleri
Relation: Made friends through Lois and the running community.

Ken is now flying high with his beloved Snowbirds. I am so glad that I got to know Ken thanks to the various running events that he used to photograph. He always had a warm welcoming smile and a soft demeanor. So long Ken.

From: Olivia Rhoddy
Relation: cousin

Lois and Kim, we are so sad about Ken’s passing but also proud of his life that was well-lived. We can’t imagine the hole that he leaves behind after a lifetime of experiences and memories with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I will see you at the funeral. The rest of the family would have loved to be there as well but were not able to get there for different reasons. Hugs. I have attached a photo of us with my grandma Edna and Marjorie when they came out here for a visit.

Service Schedule

  Celebration of Life

Date & Time:
November 9, 2024
Beginning at 2:00pm

Location:
H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre
2853 Roberts Road
Duncan, BC V9L 6W3

Celebration of Life

Saturday, November 9th at 2 pm. at

H. W Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre

2853 Roberts Road, Duncan, BC.

 

2853 Roberts Road
Duncan, BC V9L 6W3

Memorial Gifts

The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.

Thank You Notice

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Blooms at 49th Parallel – 778-422-0262
Floral Bar at Party Mood – www.floralbar.ca  or 250-701-3151
Floral Department at Thrifty Foods –  http://floral.thriftyfoods.com/ or 250-715-2630

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