KENNETH J. BARON

Condolences & Memories (2 entries)

• I recognized the name and the person in the photo prior to reading the notice. There were so many points in common I felt I had to respond. I, too, was a paper boy, living at 144 Barrington (from 1960-74) and delivering the Winnipeg Tribune to your family at 143 Talon from 1962-67. I can’t recall if any of my customers were daily or Sat. only. I think my second job was also as a golf caddy, at Niakwa (where I subsequently did a lot better as a greenskeeper). Soccer was also my favourite team sport, playing in winter at Hastings during recess and on the elementary (I think), Jr. High and Dakota school teams. (Also, you probably encountered us playing road hockey on Flynn all through the 60s…) (Depending on your ages, you may have known, or known of, my twin brothers, Pete and Doug.) I, also, played in the oldtimers’ league when I was 37-40. And I, also, watched, and coached two of, my three daughters at soccer in River Heights; (my middle daughter is named Lisa.) I, also, watched the English soccer league a bit and liked Man. U. as well, but also Liverpool. I didn’t start the piano till I was about 20, when my mother and I bought one, but have been playing ever since. I ran cross country in school, then took up running again in my 40s, running the road race series, half marathons and doing the snowman triathlons in the 90s. I still run to and around St. John’s Park when it’s nice out. I can’t recall seeing him running, but after marrying, we moved back to 19 St. Michael(s?) Rd. from 1976-7, so there’s a good chance (in addition to 1970-4), since my remaining first family moved down to 165 Barrington and we walked over a lot. (St. Vital Park was a great place to run cross country in school, so I’m thinking he must have run from Talon to there and back.) I, also, rode my bike to school, the golf course (and everywhere else in St. V.) and work, even when I had a car and family: I currently ride the 10-speed I had in the 60s in St. V.! Re the Y, I was in Young Leaders there as a teenager and, of course, we swam there in the summer. I, also, “retired” early, and, also, walk to the grocery store and carry my groceries home – as I have for decades. In my case, rather than a farm, we have had a family cottage in Muskoka since 1925. The “quiet and solitary man” fits me to a tee, having been on my own for the past 24 ½ years. I haven’t gardened too much, but did work for Ben’s Landscaping at the end of Arden, as well as tending the greens, tees, rough, fairways, traps, etc. at Niakwa for at least three years. I, also, was the main provider for my kids till our separation. Our kids were also encouraged to excel, participate and have values (though I had to deliver their papers half the time…). When our mom died in Aug., 2015, the woman whose family took over our house at 144, and who still lives there, responded to the notice, after which I contacted her and she invited me to visit the old homestead! I rode my old 10-speed there last July. Had I cruised down Talon afterwards, I might have seen your father gardening and struck up a conversation. Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the days when I was delivering papers, banking my money, and doing my school work (I loved grades 3-8 at Hastings) – with breaks for sports, of course! I don’t have a phone, but maybe you can get my email address from the FP, if you want to respond. Jim - Posted by: Jim Waite (former paper boy) on: Mar 06, 2017

• Lovely obituary and in reading it helped bring some memories I have of "Mr. Baron" forward. He was my soccer coach in grade 5 and that I had forgotten about! I can hear him yelling at me (encouragingly) as I forgot what position I was actually playing. My brother and Matt played soccer together as well but was Ken their coach?? He did have a reputation as quite the fitness guy and I do recall seeing him running the streets of St. Vital all time. Yes, he was known for his gardening and he always had the most immaculate looking yard! This clearly was his pride and joy, and source of some good natured teasing about how not a blade of grass was out of place! I have known Elise since elementary school and via Elise I got to know Matt. There were often impersonations made of their father but these are made loving intentions. "Well, I don't know Elise....."(gruff voice) and then lots of laughing. It has been a real rough past few years for both Elise and Matt as both their parents have recently passed away. Take comfort in knowing they are at peace now but never far away as we cherish our memories of them. Wish I could be there to give you guys a big hug. Sending comfort and healing your way. Love Sandra xo - Posted by: Sandra Storey (Friend of Elise) on: Jan 22, 2017