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Kenneth Wilmer Knuttila

October 11th, 2020
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We are sad to announce the passing of Kenneth Wilmer Knuttila on October 11, 2020. Ken is survived by his loving wife, Jo-Ann, his sons Gordon (Arlana) and Allan, and his grandchildren Jillian, Taylor, Lyndon and Jacob. Ken also leaves a large extended family for whom he was very devoted to.

Ken was born in Vancouver on April 18, 1941 and moved to the Finnish community of Webster’s Corners when he was two years old. He was proud of his Finnish heritage and of living most of his life in Maple Ridge.

He married Jo-Ann in October, 1964, and then Gord and Al were born over the next few years. They eventually moved to their hobby farm in Webster’s Corners. It was a great place to raise the boys and cows, chickens and a big garden. There were many family gatherings, barbeques and other parties. Hospitality was one of Ken and Jo-Ann’s gifts, and everyone was always welcome.

Over his working career, Ken had a concrete company and then a home building company. He went on to become a Realtor for over 30 years. His outgoing, friendly nature made Real Estate a perfect fit.

Ken was very active in the community. He coached numerous lacrosse and baseball teams, served on Committees and was a founding member of the Meadowridge Rotary Club. He was a Mason, a Shriner and a member of the local Mizpah Eastern Star. He became the Grand Worthy Patron of BC and the Yukon

Ken was a great storyteller and loved to tease and tell jokes. Ken had Sisu, a Finnish word meaning strength of will, perseverance, and determination. He faced all the obstacles in his life with this. He was a good example for all of us, and we will deeply miss him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the BC Children's Hospital in Ken's memory.

There will be a private service with a live video stream. Live streaming link below.

https://www.legacystreaming.com/mapleridgefuneral/


Tributes

Bob Quinnell
October 20th, 2020

Very close friend of Ken and the family for about 50 years. Met through early minor hockey and attached to Ken and Joanne’s family values and many good times. We enjoyed their hospitality and the odd sauna! Ken and I were partners starting MGM Construction where we did a few subdivisions and built all the homes. Mostly Ken on the construction except when I bought all new workbelt, gloves, etc and he gave me a wheel barrow and said “clean up the worksite” and laughed as only he could! Hockey Executives and attended all the games and travel. Trips down south, cruises, etc. Ken was very honest and hard working always. Great Realtor and award winner for many years to retirement.
Too many great Ken stories to tell here.
I loved him ♥️
Bob Quinnell

Kellie Marquet
October 20th, 2020

All of my most special childhood memories were on my grandmothers Webster's Corner farm. My Uncle Norm dated Judy and when I was on the farm I would often go to Knutilla's farm with Uncle Norm. I remember going in the sauna with everyone, one story in particular Of Ken and Norm jumping onto a frozen pool for a plunge after Sauna, it was pretty frozen and must have been a shock!!
Ken had a milk cow, that fascinated me as I had only ever been around steers and when he shot me in the face with warm milk ACROSS the barn I was shocked! I can still see him laughing his head off. In later years we were in the Eastern Star together and we would reminisce of times gone by and how much I/we loved the farm life. Rest easy Ken, I hope when you saw Uncle Norm in heaven, you shared a few beers and a Sauna together....

Lin & Bill Barker
October 19th, 2020

One of the real good guys in the community. You will be missed by family and many friends.

Shayne friesen One fortun
October 19th, 2020

My uncle ken
I consider myself a very fortunate nephew to have an uncle like Ken.
When I think of Ken and Jo it’s nothing but smiles and love for them.
Learning how to milk cows ,skating on the ponds ,swimming in the pool ,the fishing trips ,big family gatherings and being memorized by the magic and pranks he would preform for us kids.
Riding in the Cherokee on Sunday morning to church and Christmas will never be forgotten Santa Ken was the highlight of Christmas as a child for me.
I still tell the little people in my life that if they don’t go to bed I will call Santa and tell him.
So I would call Christmas Eve and let them talk to Santa Ken and after they would all go to sleep.
There is so much more I remember and cherish and I am so thankful for.
This is the teaching of true family value.
I going miss you uncle.
thank you for being such a huge part of my life as child as a teen and as a grown man.
I love you Ken and Jo

Cam Neely
October 19th, 2020

It was a sad day to learn from Gord the passing of his father. Looking back I have nothing but fantastic memories of all the times our family spent time with Ken Jo-Ann Gord and Al.

My parents Mike and Marlene loved their friendship with the Knuttila’s. Always found them to be happy helpful and extremely kind.

We had so much fun on their property whether it was learning how to drive their “ 3 on tree” red pickup or sitting in the sauna in the winter and running to the pool break the ice and go for a very quick dip. Ken you will be remembered for ever.

Sylvia and Dan Curran
October 19th, 2020

Ken always had a smile to share
Time to give and time to care.
A loving nature, kind and true,
Is the way we'll remember him.
Condolences to Jo-Ann and family.

Tammy strangward
October 19th, 2020

Knuttila Family

The Healy and Strangward families would like to offer our sincerest condolences. We have many happy memories of Ken and Joanne visits to our homes over the years we will cherish them all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time

Gary Lycan
October 19th, 2020

It has been my honor to have known Ken for nearly fifty years. During those years we have worked in real estate, had many social outings and I will particularly remember the hunting trips in northern B.C. Over those many years I always admired his quiet manner, his sense of humor and his dedication to community and his family. His honesty in all his relations with others can never be questioned. Ken was a valued and loyal friend. He will be deeply missed by his many friends. My heartfelt sympathy goes to his wife Jo-Ann, his sons Gordon and Allan and their families. I know my life has been better for having known Ken and his friendship. He will live on in my memory. Gary Lycan

Laurie
October 17th, 2020

Ken helped me (Laurie) buy my first home when I was 28 years old. We looked at a lot of potential homes and eventually I decided on a foreclosure. It was such a big deal for me and Ken was so calm, kind and caring- he walked me through every step. He later connected my husband and I with his son Al who helped us buy our family home. Ken was so gentle and kind. We were just telling our kids about Ken a few weeks ago. We are sorry to hear of his passing. Our sincere condolences to his family.
Laurie and Cam Firth

Ken ,Sylvia,and Sandralen
October 17th, 2020

Joanne and family. We are sorry to hear of Kens passing.We are thinking of you in this difficult time.Love Ken,Sylvia and Sandralene Knorn
Ken ,Sylvia,and Sandralene Knorn

Ken Knorn
October 17th, 2020

To a wonderful person with a big heart.So sorry to hear of his passing.

anita den Dikken (nee Hyv
October 17th, 2020

I remember Ken from my time growing up in Maple Ridge. He was a few years older than me but I knew the Knuttila family including his late sister Judy. I, too, am of Finnish descent; in those days I was Anita Hyvari. I am indeed sorry to learn of his passing. To Ken's famiy: I offer my sincere condolences. He was a good man.
Anita den Dikken

Brad Johnson
October 17th, 2020

I grew up mostly hanging out at the Knuttilas’. Sometimes I thought I annoyed him more often than not, but he was always interested in what I was up to.....he coached me in lacrosse, gave me rides to school until Gord got his license and he loved to tease the heck out of me but always put me in my place when I got out of line.....you will be greatly missed Ken. Thanks for being the father figure I needed in my youth.

Peggy Knuttila
October 15th, 2020

Sending my condolences from one Knuttila family to another. SISU strong! 💙

Selina
October 15th, 2020

Sold my sister and I both our firsts homes. Awesome guy actually cared about his clients.

Selina and Susan

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