KENNETH JAMES NATTRASS

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KENNETH JAMES NATTRASS 1948 2015 Ken Nattrass died peacefully at St. Boniface General Hospital on March 5, 2015, with his loving wife by his side. He was predeceased by his parents, Keith and Eileen Nattrass (Barker). Ken is survived by his wife, Jane, and mother-in-law, Maribette Dahl; children, Stacey (Damian Brown) and Carson (Sharon Bajer); grandchildren, Maxwell and Jackson Brown and Theodore Nattrass; sisters-in-law, Kristin Isaak (Earl Isaak) and Tracy Dahl (Raymond Sokalski); nieces, Elizabeth Stoesz and Carly Isaak; and nephews, Graham Isaak, Reid Isaak, Jaden Sokalski and Anton Sokalski. Born in Winnipeg on New Years Day, 1948, Ken grew up in the Fort Rouge neighbourhood. He attended Harrow Elementary, Earl Grey Junior High and Kelvin High School. It was during his school years that he met Jane Dahl, a fellow Kelvin grad, the girl who would become his wife. After a few years of courtship Ken and Jane were married in 1970. They welcomed daughter Stacey in 1976, and son Carson in 1979. This May would have marked their 45th wedding anniversary. Ken attended the University of Manitoba and graduated with his Arts Degree in 1969. His career began at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre (SMHC) where he worked as a Rehab Counsellor. Following the completion of his Masters in Social Work, Ken returned to SMHC in 1975, and in 1977 became the Interlake's first Community Mental Health Worker. For the next twenty years he worked largely as a family therapist, eventually becoming a Regional Program Manager. In the mid 1990's Ken was appointed District Director by the Interlake Regional Health Authority where he was responsible for several hospitals and care homes in the region. Ken's career came full circle in 2002 when he was hired as CEO of the Selkirk Mental Health Centre. Just months before his retirement in 2009 he celebrated the ribbon cutting of the new SMHC Tyndall Building, a state of the art mental health facility. Ken was an accomplished accordion player, an instrument he first picked up at the tender age of seven. Although he enjoyed playing many styles of music his passion became his love of Scottish music. He was the band leader for Scotch Measure and he and friend Ron Krug played for Scottish Country Dance groups across western Canada for many years. Ken also played for the Village Green Morris Men, an old time dance band called The Voyageurs and for The Bunch of Grapes, a group he also performed with as a singer. Ken's love of music extended well beyond the accordion. He was a lover of many genres of music, especially folk, and attended every Winnipeg Folk Festival since it's inception, save two. Some of his favourite artists included Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot, Stan Rogers and the gospel group, The Gaithers. Ken was actively involved in his faith community, singing in the Crescent Fort Rouge United Church choir, serving on the Board of Trustees and on the Church Board as chair several times over. He was also a well-rounded sports fan, enjoying hockey, golf, curling, baseball and football. He was a proud Winnipeg Blue Bombers fan and season ticket holder for over forty years. Ken was enjoying his retirement, travelling with Jane, dedicating more time to his music, researching his ancestry and most of all spending lots of quality time with his three young grandsons. Ken will be remembered as a man with a strong work ethic, a quick and often dry wit, a passion for music and a deep love of family. He was steadfast, stoic, courageous, patient and eager to help and serve others. His passing has left a deep hole in our lives, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. The family is very grateful for the care, support and compassion provided to Ken and the family over the six days of hospitalization. Special thanks to the St. Boniface Hospital ER and ICU staff, especially Dr. Hegdeker, Dr. Faisal Siddiqui, Dr. Veena Edgar-Wallen, nurses Christina and Darlene and respiratory therapist Jodi. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 25 at 3:00 p.m. at Crescent Fort Rouge United Church, corner of Wardlaw and Nassau. Musical prelude at 2:45 p.m. Donations may be made in memory of Ken to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the SMHC Entertainment Fund, the Canadian Mental Health Association or a charity of your choice. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 18, 2015