Kenneth (Kenny, Ken, dad, funny grandpa) was born in Winnipeg on November 17, 1936, and passed away peacefully in Maple Ridge on March 21, 2026, at the age of 89 years. 

Predeceased by his parents, Margaret (née Nealon) and Harry Rea, and his brother Walter Rea. 

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ann Rea, and their two sons Kevin and Tim (Lyndsay) and granddaughters Kaitlyn, Elise and Jillian. 

He is also survived by his niece and nephews, Delayne, Doug and James.  

Ken grew up in Winnipeg Manitoba and often shared stories of the adventures and misadventures of his youth.  He looked back fondly of the summers spent working on his uncle Allan’s farm in Grandview, Manitoba. He told tales of the many weekends in his twenties driving a ‘57 Chevy with “a trunk full of beer” to Grand Marais, Manitoba, and time spent at his favorite hang out in Winnipeg, Casey’s pool hall.   

In 1968 Ken married Elizabeth (Beth), and around 1970 together they moved to Vancouver to start a family. They eventually bought a home in Maple Ridge and had two sons. He dedicated the better part of his time after work and on weekends to shuttling the boys to and from hockey and various other events. 

Shortly after moving to Vancouver Ken began working for BC Tel (Telus) until he retired in November 1999. In 2014 he became a proud grandpa to Kaitlyn, and later Elise and Jillian.  

Ken enjoyed a long healthy retirement, making a few trips back to Winnipeg to visit friends and family which always included a stop at Grandview, to visit the family farm and check in on the Nealon family. 

The Rea family would like to express their gratitude to McKenny Creek Hospice for the care Ken received. 

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at a later date.