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KENNETH ALLEN PLOEN
Born: Jun 03, 1935
Date of Passing: Feb 13, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryKENNETH ALLEN PLOEN
“I'll remember you. When I've forgotten all the rest. You to me were true.
You to me were the best.”
Kenneth Allen Ploen, Winnipeg’s legendary quarterback of the Bombers’ golden era, died on February 13, 2024, at age 88. He leaves to mourn his beloved wife Janet, children, Carol, Kendra, Doug and their spouses, eight grandchildren, the entire province of Manitoba and football fans and friends throughout North America.
Ken liked to sign his autograph with the inscription “Old #11”. It was wholly inaccurate. He never truly grew old, at least not in the hearts and minds of his fans, friends, and family. Particularly those who saw him play with such boyish enthusiasm and an unsurpassed athletic elegance.
Ken came to Winnipeg in 1957 following a stellar run with the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. He arrived in the Canadian Football League after quarterbacking his college team to victory in the 1957 Rose Bowl (and was named both an All-American and the Rose Bowl MVP that same season). He is one of two football players in history to be named to the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame, the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and multiple Grey Cup championships (the other being Warren Moon). He chose Winnipeg at a time when the Canadian Football League was often the preferred option over the National Football League for American players, years before the NFL achieved its modern-day status. Football fans in Winnipeg are forever grateful.
Ken’s other achievements included induction into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, the Blue Bomber Ring of Honour, receiving the Order of Manitoba, and naming a Winnipeg street (“Ken Ploen Way”). He contributed to consistent team success, winning four Grey Cups in six tries during an 11-year career with the Blue Bombers, almost entirely with hall-of-fame coach Bud Grant. Grant is notable for once saying, “A good football coach needs a patient wife, a loyal dog, and a great quarterback, but not necessarily in that order.”
To suggest that Ken was merely a great quarterback, unfortunately, misses the point. He was a good, kind man who wore his status as an iconic figure in Winnipeg with grace and dignity. He attended numerous public events for charity and promotions. His playing days behind him, he could be found on many occasions, in hockey rinks, gymnasiums, and football fields, a genuine smile etched permanently on his face as he watched the next generation compete. His friendships were lifelong and as important to him as any victory on the gridiron.
Travelling with friends, either up the river or around the world, filled much of his later years. But most important to Ken was family. Lake of the Woods and Sanibel Island, Florida, were two favourite destinations, and beside him through it all was the love of his life, Janet.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the home care workers and Simkin Centre, Weinberg 2, who were so helpful with compassionate and comforting care.
A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28 at Celebrations Canad Inns Fort Garry, 1824 Pembina Hwy.
In memory of Ken, gifts may be made to the Kenny Ploen Fund at the Winnipeg Foundation, 1350 One Lombard Place, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0X3. Tel. 204-944-9474
https://mycharitytools.com/gift/
wpgfdn/KennyPloen
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 24, 2024, Feb 24, 2024
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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I cried whenever Kenny threw an incompletion, he was so exceptional, he would hand off to the Lincoln Locomotive Leo Lewis, Then Dave Raimey then Art Pearly Perkins, teams would move up to try stop the run and he would drop a perfect pass to Farrell Funston or Kenny Neilson. it was something to behold. R.I.P. Mr.Ploen. - Posted by: Kenneth Wayne Ryce (Friend) on: Aug 21, 2025
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Well, not much of a story...I came across Ken on Broadway Ave. a couple of times while I was working...and I believe he worked downtown as well....was totally shocked when he spoke to me. Well Ken was one of my big heroes. I was very impressed what a gentleman. Thanks Ken. Will probably see you one day in Heaven. - Posted by: jim todoruk a retired mailman...abig Bomber fan especially when Kenny played.I was totally shocked w (a mailman.) on: Mar 11, 2024
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Gary talked to Kenny when they used to practice & he was such a gentleman & very friendly. ALways willing to talk Bomber fun. Just a pleasure to talk to him. Everyone will remember him as a great man & footlball player & a true gentleman & Wpg was so lucky to have him live here. Will always remember him as a true Bomber Quarter back & one of the best. - Posted by: Marge & Gary Schmidt (fans when Kenny was playing for Blue Bombers always) on: Mar 04, 2024
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Lost sight of Ken after I retired but always a gentleman. Always enjoyed time with Ken and Janet. - Posted by: Bob Leggett (Friend) on: Feb 28, 2024
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My most sincere condolences to you Janet and family for the loss of such a dear man. I feel very fortunate to have met both of you while joining some football get togethers. Genuine people! A lot of fun! Take care. - Posted by: Saurette Yvette (Friend) on: Feb 26, 2024
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Our whole family were true blue bomber fans during the time that Kenny Ploen played for the bombers. Every season my mom and dad would give my brother and I season tickets for the up coming season. My birthday is in July and his is in August. Ours were in the bleacher seats and their tickets were in the Grand Stand. My dad was a true Blue Bomber fan for years and when he married my mom she became one also. My uncle Don his brother was also a true blue bomber fan before he and my aunt moved down to Phoenix Arizona due to health reasons. We saw Kenny make some fantastic plays. As a matter of fact in 1960 we were coming back from Dallas, Texas we stopped in to Des Moines Iowa to watch the bomber game when they played just one game I think down there in the AFL. In closing I want give my deepest condolences to Kenny's wife and kids and grand kids on his passing. Kenny, we all miss you too. I hope you continue play football at that great football stadium in the sky. Joan Porteous and family. - Posted by: Joan Porteous (True Blue Bomber fan) on: Feb 24, 2024
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Thank you Kenny for all those exciting games. R.I.P - Posted by: Jenny (Fan) on: Feb 24, 2024
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The Grant kids were young fans of #11 when our Dad coached. He, however was the center of all the Bomber stories my dad would tell. My dad would tell story after story of Kenny and his championship performances. To say that Bud Grant loved Kenny Ploen would be a vast understatement of their relationship. Two great men who were champions together. - Posted by: Mike Grant (Bud Grant Family) on: Feb 24, 2024
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My first memory of Kenny and his CFL career was watching the 1958 Grey Cup and the celebration following the game. Throughout his playing career, Kenny Ploen was my idol. I had the pleasure of meeting him at CJOB in 1983 and enjoyed our conversation. My condolences to his family and friends. - Posted by: Dave Downie (Football Fan) on: Feb 24, 2024
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I was very young when Kenny came to Winnipeg to play for the Bombers but met him through my late older sister Naomi. We were avid Bomber lovers in those days and I have all of her old pictures from back then. Kenny was a warm sweet caring person who loved his fans as much as we loved him. My warmest condolences to you, Janet and the kids. Judi Permut (ylp18@o13net.net) - Posted by: Judi Permut (old friend ) on: Feb 24, 2024
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Greatness! What more can you say of the man! He has always been my favourite Bomber. He brought nothing but good to our city. I will really miss him. His family must be so proud of him. Rest in peace Mr. Ploen.! - Posted by: Denis Letain (Fan) on: Feb 24, 2024
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I will likely be the only person with no status regarding a sports connection to offer my sincere condolences to the Ploen family. We moved onto Niagara Street in River Heights in 1958, and I well remember Kenny, as he was referred to then, on the street. He had a presence like no other. Janet, I babysat Carol and Kendra a few times, when they were toddlers. Wherever our travels took us, if football was ever a subject, I would proudly say that Kenny Ploen of the Wpg Blue Bombers lived on our street. As talented a player as he was, he was a wonderful human being, a pillar of the community and our city, and as authentic and genuine as can be. May his memory be a blessing. - Posted by: Enid Barnes (Old neighbour from Niagara Street) on: Feb 24, 2024