It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful death of our dad and Grampy, Kenneth Halvdan Mikkelsen on April 1, 2024 at Royal Columbian Hospital after complications from a stroke. Born in Vancouver on June 4, 1950 to Jean and Halvdan Mikkelsen, Ken spent his formative years in Vancouver before moving to Toronto to attend the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.
Being a chiropractor was fundamental to Ken's identity. He dedicated himself to his practice for the last 49 years in Langley, becoming an established member of the Brookswood community and growing his practice into a successful wellness clinic known as Lifeforce Proactive. Not one to believe in retirement, Ken’s patients and staff were like his family and he continued working until his recent hospitalization.
His love for sport took Ken around the world when he began working as a Chiropractor with the Canadian National Swimming team in 1986, attending seven summer Olympics Games starting with Seoul, Korea in 1988. Prior to his involvement with swimming he was a trainer with the BC Lions and was inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame in 2019 as a member of the 1968 New Westminster Salmonbellies Lacrosse team (trainer).
An enthusiastic collector of scientific instruments and cars, as well as a tinkerer extraordinaire, Ken always had a project on the go. He dabbled in architecture and design, constructing three homes in his beloved Belcarra (where he resided for almost 50 years) and the commercial building in which he ran Lifeforce. He was a deeply caring and helpful individual who was always willing to provide guidance and advice to those who needed it. He loved sharing stories of his adventures and his kids’ and grandkids’ achievements.
Survived by his children Kaila (Malcolm), Kye (Kathleen) and Ryan (Lauryn), his nieces Sharon and Debbie, and his grandchildren Heath, Eily, Ryder, Erik and Jack, plus extended family in Vancouver and Norway. Predeceased by his parents and siblings.
To honour Ken’s memory, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 15th at Ocean View Funeral Home at 4000 Imperial St, Burnaby, BC, with a reception to follow. We invite anyone who knew Ken to attend and remember his incredible life.
Respectfully the family asks that no flowers be sent. Donations can be made in Ken’s name to CAN Fund (Canadian Athletes Now) or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.1