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KENNETH STANLEY BEDNARZ (KEN)
Born: Mar 02, 1930
Date of Passing: Dec 16, 2020
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KENNETH STANLEY BEDNARZ
March 2, 1930 – December 16, 2020
Ken was the son of Polish immigrants, Stanley and Mary Bednarz, who took up the farm in Melfort, Saskatchewan when arriving in Canada. He was one of nine children, with three of his elder siblings born in Poland and the rest in Canada. Dad was proud of his origins and made two trips to Poland to learn about his roots. He sought out the graves of his grandparents in Poland, and had headstones placed for them. He was predeceased by his brothers Herman, John, Adam, and Ed, and his sisters Stella and Jean.
Young Ken was a wild and mischievous boy along with his brothers! There were many tales of electric fences and walking up hill both ways to go to school. He didn't tell his father for many years why the bull was spooked one night and ran through the newly built barn wall - Ken had gone to the well to get some water - with a sheet for cover!
For a man with an elementary education he went on to have a most successful business life. He knew right from wrong and was always honest. He was an extraordinary salesman in the trucking industry. His niche, founded by someone who believed in him, his mentor, Archie Tawns (deceased), who guided him in the right direction. There was no stopping him once he had his foot on the pedal.
He worked for Stern Trucks for many many years before setting out on his own, at age 50, with General Truck Sales, then Trux 'n Parts Salvage. His passion was diesel and trucks. He always said he had to keep working or God would call him up to work for him. And that deal, they have both now done. His last journey to his beloved shop was recently, at age 90 years and seven months. He is now with God and with his wife of 63 years, Simone.
Ken did everything to the utmost capability he could - and when he decided to do something he went all out, always going that extra mile. It didn't matter what it was, he had an altruistic passion to do right, despite any resistance. He just kept on trucking - always.
He found himself in Gladstone in the 1950s. And he found more than just a town. Unknown to him he met his future wife, Simone, who was a nurse at the Gladstone Sanatorium. Love and romance blossomed and they wed on May 4, 1957. They went on to have two children, Kimberly Joy (husband Martin) and Bradley Kenneth (CeeCee). They worked together as a team through so many obstacles of a young married couple finding their feet. As the years went on, and their successes continued, they were blessed with grandchildren, Kyle, Matthew, Allison, and one great-granddaughter, Olivia.
Ken is survived by his children Kimberly and Bradley, and their lineage, his sister Anne Bednarz of Innisfil, Ontario and remaining family, friends and business associates.
A special heartfelt mention to Gail Sitarz, Dad's 'work wife' who was always there for him over the last 25 years. What a work relationship that was - they were best buddies! Gail is often referred to as Ken's earth angel. Gail, we all thank you for everything you have done for Ken, and all of us over the years. Your unconditional kindness, compassion and support has meant more than you know, especially poignant during the last few months.
Warmest heartfelt thank-you to Anne, Ken's little sister, and our Auntie, who was his rock in recent times. Your brother Kenny loved you so much. He will miss you as much as you miss him. So thankful that you were able to spend the gift of time with him. And you will always have that special bond that you shared together in your heart. Time is such a gift.
Special thanks to the staff at the Grace and Concordia Hospitals and Dr. Pat Harris, for their care of Ken. He always wanted to go home. Now he is - whistling all the way.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private family funeral service will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, Winnipeg.
For those who wish, donations may be made to the Cancer Society.
For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca
Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 19, 2020
Condolences & Memories (25 entries)
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2024 Dad ... Happy 4th Heavenly Birthday Dad. This is really extra tough this year. Grief is tidal and has no boundary. When I was very very little, I have a memory that I lost you while we were outside in the yard. I ran as fast as my little legs could take me to find you around the corner. Such a happy relief. Now I look to sky to find you. I continue to try to 'balance the scales of life' as you said and honour your memory with unfaltering dedication. Keeping you in my prayers and missing you with all my heart every day. Merry Christmas Dad Love always, your daughter Kimberly xx - Posted by: Kimberly Spooner nee Bednarz (daughter) on: Dec 16, 2024
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2023 Dad, How has it been 3 years since you left us? It is as raw today as it was those three years ago. The pain of grief has no definitive ending. Life has a huge hole in it. Nothing is settled. I/we so miss you. I look to the stars at night and keep you in my prayers. I trust you are in a much better place, surrounded by those who have gone before you. What a reunion!! Bet there are donuts ;) Missing you beyond words. Merry Christmas Dad ... you loved it. We love you xx Kimberly, Martin & Kyle. - Posted by: Kimberly Spooner nee Bednarz (duaghter) on: Dec 16, 2023
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2022 Dad ... here we are, now 2 years since you left this earth. Happy 2nd Heavenly Birthday! In a way the time has been fast - but also incredibly, and sometimes painfully, slow. I/We miss you so much. Just to have the phone ring and hear you say 'hey, how ya doin'? ' .. that gap is bigger than ever. You are remembered by so many people whose lives you touched. Your legacy lives on. Grief has no ending. Love you forever, miss you forever. Keep whistling xxx Kimberly (daughter) Martin (son-in-law) Kyle (grandson) xxx - Posted by: Kimberly (Bednarz) Spooner (daughter) on: Dec 16, 2022
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I was a struggling young Mom going to university. I was working for Stern trucks when I met Ken. He hired me to do some clerical work for him and paid me very generously. He supplied me with a vehicle when he realized how long my bus commute took from the U of M. I was thinking of his generosity today when I googled his name. What a thoroughly nice person he was. My sympathy to the family - Posted by: Dorothy Elliott (Friend) on: Jan 16, 2022
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2021 Here we are, one year on from the day you left us Dad. I cannot comprehend the time - it all seems surreal. You have left a huge hole in our lives. The distance of the miles between us was nothing compared to this. We can still hear you sing and we can still hear your whistle. I know you are not far as I look up to the stars in the sky - Orion's belt was our constellation. But more important we know you are at peace. It was your time to go but I am heartbroken that I could not be with you to hold your hand because of this pandemic. A year on, 2021, it isn't much better. You said the world will never be the same when covid started. Little did we know our world would never be the same again with you gone. Love you forever, your daughter and her family xx - Posted by: Kim, Martin & Kyle (Daughter, Son-in-law, grandson) on: Dec 16, 2021
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RIP Ken Always enjoyed are long talks + visits and of course advice. Happy to have been a friend. Marc - Posted by: Marc Glenat (Friend ) on: Jan 06, 2021
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Our sincerest condolences to Brad, Kim and their families. Ken & Sim were both very special to us and we loved them dearly. We met in the very early nineties when Peter worked for Western Star in Kelowna. We spent many wonderful times with them at their cabin in Vernon and we visited them in Winnipeg for years, on our way to see Peter’s Mom and family in Dauphin, Manitoba. Their kindness and generosity will never be forgotten. Spending time with them was something we looked forward to and our only regret was that we were unable to see them these last couple of years due to my illness and then Covid which made travelling impossible but we stayed in touch by phone. There are not enough words to describe our feelings for them and how very much we will miss them. Knowing they are together again is the only consolation. Rest in peace our very, very dear friends. Anne & Peter Zazuliak, Kelowna, BC - Posted by: Anne and Peter Zazulilak (Friends) on: Jan 04, 2021
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Now we reach the end of an era. I say good bye to my beloved dad, I want to say thank you to each and everyone of you who have taken the time to remember and leave a message - friends from now and in the past. Thank you so much. Just remember the words of The Dash by Linda Ellis ... and look up at the stars. Many thanks to our celebrant, Glen Knutson and the people at Chapel Lawn. Rest in Peace Dad ... you are in heaven with the angels. Much love, your daughter. - Posted by: Kimberly (daughter) on: Dec 28, 2020
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I have known Ken & Sim for many, many years. I had become friends with his daughter and she was the one who insisted I go for an interview and ended up getting the job at General Truck Sales as Ken’s assistant! I was there for many wonderful years. Ken (& Sim) became dear friends from that moment and made me feel like their “other” daughter! Wilf & I have so many fond memories of the Christmas visits at their home! Such fun, giggles and good food. We are going to miss them so much and our sincere sympathies goes to the family at their loss. They are together again 💖 Rest In Peace Ken Love Barb & Wilf Miller - Posted by: Barb & Wilf Miller (Friend) on: Dec 27, 2020
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Our sincere condolences to all of you. Ken was a kind and driven man whom seemed to get along with everyone. Both him and Sim were always welcoming us into their home whenever we dropped by. Even before we moved to Canada, they were friendly and helpful, showing us what great people they were as we were practically strangers to them, living in a different continent. Knowing we had the help of such two great people greatly gave us comfort with our big journey. May their final journey together be as great as their lives were. Magda, Rudy, and kids - Posted by: Rudy & Magda Bogaert (friends) on: Dec 27, 2020
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Uncle Ken was a very kind hearted person. Always had time to just stop life to listen and have a good talk. I will miss you. Gone but never forgotten always in my heart and prayers. - Posted by: Lynn Kuttnick (Uncle) on: Dec 26, 2020
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Hello Camille. I was sorry to hear about the passing of Ken, I was a bit shocked when I read your email. It is so sad for the family to have lost Ken only a few weeks after Simone passed away. Please extend my condolences to the family and to you. Annie Neirinck Kronegem,20 9620 Zottegem Belgium. - Posted by: Annie Neirinck (Ik ken de familie al heel lang.) on: Dec 24, 2020
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My sincerest condolences to Brad and family. I have known Ken and family all of my life. He was one of my dads greatest friends and mentors. He gave my dad guidance and the odd kick in the a** when he needed it most. I know my dad was forever thankful for Ken and family. Ken also gave me my first shot a career in the trucking industry for which I will be forever grateful. In life we are lucky to meet a few people that we can learn from and take their lessons with us as we move through life. Ken, you taught me the importance of hard work and taking pride in doing things right. Well, you worked hard and did things right and now you can rest in peace with your lovely wife. And if you get tired of resting, I am sure you can find my dad up there and maybe an old Louisville that needs a frame job. Rest In Peace - Posted by: John Mauseth Jr. (Family Friend) on: Dec 22, 2020
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Our condolences to you and your family at this time. - Posted by: Bruno Carloni (Friend) on: Dec 22, 2020
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Our sincere condolences on the loss of Ken. Our hearts go out to Brad (Cee Cee) and the rest of the Bednarz family during this difficult time and such a short time since the passing of Sim. May you have peace knowing they are together once again. - Posted by: Michaela and Greg Bell (Family friend ) on: Dec 21, 2020
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So very sorry for everything you have all been through this year. Much comfort can be taken in Ken and Sim passing so close together, they just could not bear to be apart. I find it a real tribute to their love story and am glad they will be spending Christmas together. Ken was a very driven man and very few can say they enjoyed their work as much as Ken did. It says a lot about him that he was able to be working until the very end. Heartfelt thank you to Ann, Gail and most especially Brad who cared for them both so lovingly in their final days. - Posted by: Jamie Bednarz (Family) on: Dec 21, 2020
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My deepest condolences To Kin, Brad and their families and also Gail, Ken's right hand. Stay well and remember that time is a great healer. I first bought a truck from KEN over 40 years ago and since then there have been many deals between us, most recently 2 months ago. I considered Ken a good friend and will miss him dearly. Good by old friend I wish you a happy eternity rejoined with your beloved Simone. - Posted by: Pat Pacarenuk (Friend and customer) on: Dec 21, 2020
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So sorry to hear of Ken's passing in these difficult times we are all faced with..Ken was a one of a kind guy--always willing to offer up advice and always willing to lend a hand..He was the go to guy for Western Star parts if you were in a pickle..Since 1996 I had purchased 10 trucks from Ken and his sidekick Jimmy McGinnis when he ran the Western Star dealer and also from his Trux N Parts operation which he ran up until just recently--all Western Stars I might add--built Canadian tough just like Ken.I was a repeat customer so to speak as I always got a good deal dealing with Ken & Jim.My dad often chatted with Ken on the phone every other week talking about different things and of course each other's health & spouses and he would also pop in and see Ken at the Trux N Parts yard on numerous occasions over the years. Usually around this time of year Ken would send Gail over with a goodie pack , maybe a couple of those famous purple coloured Western Star jackets (warm as hell) or a few pairs of gloves with the Trux N Parts logo on them or some pens and different knick knacks of some sort. Things won't be the same without Ken around the corner block and being able to pop in and reminisce about days gone by.. Rest in peace Ken you will not be forgotten anytime soon.. Bruce & Brian Roche The Roche Family - Posted by: Bruce Roche (Friends / business neighbors) on: Dec 20, 2020
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Kim and Brad and your families, Want to express my sympathy on the recent loss of both of your parents. Be strong for each other and continue believing that they are at peace in perpetual light together in life everlasting. SHARON A. TOMIUK - Posted by: Sharon Tomiuk (Lifetime childhood friend) on: Dec 19, 2020
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Kim and Brad and your families, Want to express my sympathy on the recent loss of both of your parents. Be strong for each other and continue believing that they are at peace in perpetual light together in life everlasting. SHARON A. TOMIUK - Posted by: Sharon Tomiuk (Lifetime childhood friend) on: Dec 19, 2020
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Kim and Brad and families sending my condolences and prayers on the loss of both your parents. You may not remember but our families got together quite often when we were children. I adored your parents as well you two. We always such fun. I have such fond and warm memories of our get togethers. I have thought of your family many times over the years. Remember the good times. Please be well and stay safe during this tenuous time. - Posted by: Debi Stern (Cyril Stern’s daughter ) on: Dec 19, 2020
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I've known Ken and Brad for over 30 years and it's always a pleasure dealing with with you both. My heartfelt condolence. - Posted by: Juin Avila (Friend) on: Dec 19, 2020
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Although many years ago, I remember both of your parents kindness towards me and my family. I was sad to hear that you have lost both of them so close together, Sorry for your loss. - Posted by: richard webb (friend) on: Dec 19, 2020
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Our deepest condolences to the families of Ken & Sim. I can only imagine what you may be going through. - Posted by: Ray Cherlet (Friends, Sim was my 1st cousin.) on: Dec 19, 2020
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My condolences to the family , I’ve purchased many trucks from Ken over the years and always going to appreciate the things he’s done for me. Rest In Peace - Posted by: Dan Pries (Friend ) on: Dec 19, 2020
