Kenneth Sylvester

Kenneth Osborne Sylvester
November 12, 1933 – September 14, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, and Great-Great-Grandpa, who passed away peacefully at the Betel Home in Gimli on September 14, 2025, at the age of 91.

Left to mourn his passing and cherish his memories are his sons Gordon (Pat), Daryl (Kim), Randy (Cindy), and his daughter Melori (Greg) Capuska, as well as his loving partner of 38 years, Josephine Arnason, and her children Bev (Terry), Greg (Sheryl), Murray, Gord Sawa, and their families.  He also leaves 12 grandchildren; Katie (Dean) Fleger, Maria (Jay) Whitlaw, Annie Ross, Chris (Kimi), Jessica (Jeremy) Firmin; Amanda (Trevor) Jonasson, Leigh (Lacey Jaye), Lacey (Lee) Black; Angela (Andy) McGillivray, Alicia (Chad) Ermel; Katrina (Evan) Bartolich, Winston (Brooklyn) Capuska, 30 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly. Dad is also survived by his brothers, Gerry (Maureen), Donny (Helen), and Henry (Margie), as well as many family and friends.

Dad was predeceased by his wife of 32 years, Tina; their son, Bruce; and Josephine’s daughter, Barb Sawa.

Dad was born in North Norfolk on November 12, 1933, to Lavina and John Sylvester. Dad was the seventh of twelve children. He was raised in the Sydney area, which is where he also met his wife, Tina. On May 1, 1954, they were married, and together, they built a life centered on family, hard work, raising their five children, and leaving a legacy of love and resilience. 

After Mom’s passing, Dad began a relationship with Jo.  Dad and Jo’s commitment to each other was one of love and respect.  Together, they spent 17 winters in Arizona, where they often hosted their family and friends throughout those years.

Dad loved adventure and was very fortunate to have travelled all over the world, having been to 5 out of the 7 continents; some of these travels were joined by Mom, Jo, family and friends.  Dad loved hunting, camping, fishing, golfing, curling, and watching the Jets.  At the age of 91, he was still hunting with his sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons, as well as his childhood friend, Henry.  Dad had numerous trips to God’s Lake Narrows where he loved to fish. Dad appreciated a good golf game where he got to spend time with friends and family while playing a sport he loved. Dad made many friends at the curling clubs and loved bonspiels; he was still on the ice in his 80s.  And if you were going to visit during a Jet’s game, you'd better be prepared to watch and cheer. But above all of that, Dad’s greatest joy was spending time with those whom he loved.  He was always ecstatic to have company or get a phone call, and nothing brought a smile to his face quite like a child being in his presence.

Throughout his life, Dad was involved in the communities he called home. After moving from Carberry to Oakville in 1966, he managed the North American Lumber Store. In 1969, the family relocated to Gimli, where Dad continued his work as Manager of the North American Lumber Store until 1977. That year, he pursued his entrepreneurial spirit and founded K.C. Enterprises, a local lumber business he proudly operated alongside his son and many other family members over the years.

Dad’s leadership extended beyond his professional life. He served as President of the Gimli Curling Club and was a member of the Kinsmen Club, Lions Club of Gimli, and the Lutheran Church. He was known for his warm heart, quick wit, generous spirit, and steadfast commitment to helping others and building a strong community.

Dad lived a full and meaningful life, guided by integrity, faith, and love. His presence will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the honor of knowing him.

The family would like to thank the staff at both the Gimli Hospital and Betel Home for their care and compassion for Dad.   We would also like to extend our gratitude to everyone who visited, reached out, and thought of him during his illness.

Cremation has taken place, and a service will be held on September 27th, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the Gimli Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Ken’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

We love you Dad, and will miss you dearly.

Forever in our hearts.

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