Dec 1, 1924 - May 16, 2018
It is with great sadness, love and admiration that we announce the passing of Kenneth Bremner Geggie Jessiman, who slipped away in his sleep on May 16, 2018, at the age of 93. Ken was born in Vancouver in 1924 and lived there until after he graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
His schooling was interrupted to join the Royal Canadian Navy, where he proudly served on two ships, both in the Atlantic. As a teenager, Ken spent many summers on Bowen Island, delivering papers and doing other odd jobs. One summer, on June 2nd, he met and fell in love with Christine Hall. Four years later, to the day, they married. After living and working in Los Angeles for two years, they moved to Chilliwack in 1951.
Ken loved Chilliwack and wanted to contribute to its growth by volunteering for a number of organizations. He was an active volunteer in the Kinsmen Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and the School Board. He was a director of Elk Creek Waterworks; a regional advisor to the Federal Business Development Bank of Canada; a Sunday school teacher; an instructor at Fraser Valley College; and an adjudicator on the Tax Assessment Appeal Board. With a vision to enrich the arts, culture and education within the community, Ken was also a founding member of the Chilliwack Foundation, and served on the Investment Committee.
While giving of his time and talents to the community, Ken owned and operated Valley Granite Products Ltd, and then later developed Mt. Shannon Estates, a 100-lot residential subdivision.
All throughout their lives, Ken and Christine travelled to all corners of the world - at times, pioneering less travelled countries. They both led blessed lives.
Ken leaves a strong, loving and blessed family - his son, Kenn Jr. and grandson, Scott; his daughter, Laurie MacAdams (Dave) and grandson, Jeffrey (Tanja); nieces Diane (Pat) Shaw and Wendy Whittaker; Paisley (DJ) Thurm and Keltie (Keith) Nelson; nephew, Doug (Rita) Jessiman, and all their families.
He is predeceased by his loving wife, Christine; their granddaughter, Andrea MacAdams; his brother, Roy; in-laws Helen Jessiman, Jay Jessiman, Ellen and Fred Whittaker; niece, Lee (Jessiman) Hale; and nephew, Rick Whittaker.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chilliwack Foundation or BC Lung Association.
All are invited to a Reception at 2 pm on Thursday, June 7 at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre - 9201 Corbould St.