Mr. Cornelis Ken Ham

Cornelis Ham, always called Ken, passed away suddenly on December 1, 2023 at the age of 84. Ken was born in Haarlem, Netherlands, and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1952, eventually settling in Port Alberni. Ken was a proud Canadian citizen and truly loved this country.

Ken worked in Port Alberni at the Paper Mill until 1968, when he moved to Victoria to continue his education. He then worked in Human Resources in Kitimat and Abbotsford, where he met Carol, his wife and life partner.

In 1977 Ken and Carol moved to The Pas, Manitoba, with Ken accepting a position in Human Resources at the Pulp and Paper Mill. They both thought they would be there for a short time, but became part of the community, making many friends and staying for 38 years before moving back to Port Alberni in 2015.

Ken was an active member of The Pas Rotary Club for many years. He was a quiet man who did not like to bring attention to himself and enjoyed working on many community projects. Ken was a Paul Harris Fellow and lived the Rotary motto, “service above self.”

Ken enjoyed waterskiing, downhill and cross-country skiing as a young man. He also loved to fish, spending as much time as he could down the Alberni canal with family and friends. He was also an avid fisherman in Manitoba, spending many weekends trying to track down the best fishing spots.

After retiring, Ken and Carol looked after the Iskwasum campground in the Grass River Provincial Park. They made many life-long friends, who were their “summertime family.”

In his later years, Ken enjoyed walks on the dike in Port Alberni, driving to the marina to see how many fish were coming in, and visiting with his nephew Ron, checking on his renovation projects.

Ken was predeceased by his sister Tina, brother Arien, brother-in laws, Pedro, Wilmer, Vern, and Edgar. Ken is survived by his loving wife Carol, children Kevin (Shannon), Jennifer (Alex), grandchildren Gwen (Nolan), Malcolm, Josie and Elena; brother-in-laws, Ron (Alvena), Jake (Marg), Vic (Shirley), Dan (Kathy), sister-in laws, Marion, Dorothy, Grace (Gord), Marlene (Ken), Audrey, and numerous nieces and nephews. He loved his family.

Honoring Ken’s wishes, no formal service will be held. The family will get together to celebrate his life at a later date.

Forever in our hearts.