CRABBE, Kenneth Brian (Ken), MWO (Ret’d), CD, RCAF-Logistics
Ken passed away peacefully, early in the morning on Friday, May 8, 2020, at the age of 76 in Orléans, Ontario. He is survived by his wife, Marielle, whom he loved and cherished for 53 years, his daughter Patricia (Paul), his son Philip (Ann-Marie) and four dearest grandchildren: Daniel, Emerson, Finley and Bennett.
Born and raised in Neepawa, Manitoba, Ken was, in 1962, the first one among the five brothers to join the Canadian Armed Forces. After serving three years in the Royal Canadian on HMCS Chaudière (DDE 235), he transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force where he spent thirty fulfilling years in the Logistics Branch, first at CFB St-Hubert, QC, followed by Lahr, West Germany with NATO. Back in Canada in 1976, he continued to serve his country at CFB Downsview, ON including 6 months as a Peacekeeper for the UN in Ismailia, Egypt. In 1983 Ken was posted to CFB St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC the same city where in 1965 he had met his future wife, Marielle. Ken concluded his well accomplished military career at NDHQ, Ottawa where he retired in 1995 in the rank of Master Warrant Officer. No doubt he could have said with pride: “Mission accomplie!
As a person, Ken was meticulous and patient and a man of many talents. During his youth, he enjoyed drawing, calligraphy, creating cartoons and woodwork. Once retired, he was able to dedicate his free time to other interests: researching and updating the Crabbe family tree, stamp collections and not the least making beautiful stained glass. Ken found beauty in nature and that was reflected in much of his art and glass work.
Like his siblings, he enjoyed outdoor activities: gardening, maintaining his yard (never a weed to be seen) and was always the first one on the street to clear the snow from the driveway. He enjoyed daily walks with his dogs (Nicky and Cousto) along the beautiful Ottawa River near Petrie Island. Camping was a favorite family activity while travelling through Europe, the New England states, and the Kawartha Lakes in Ontario.
Ken loved sports and was a great team player. He had the reputation of being a staunch goalie and defenceman in hockey and a strong catcher in softball! Ken always cheered for the Boston Bruins, the New York Yankees and Manchester United.
His favourite authors were Louis L’ Amour and James Elliot. Ken was an unconditional fan of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. His favorite TV series were MASH, Cheers, Mr. Bean, Murdoch Mysteries and Mission Impossible. Music was always present in his life, his favorites being Neil Diamond, Floyd Cramer, John Denver, Anne Murray, Gordon Lightfoot and Jim Reeves. During the summers, he and Marielle enjoyed the Chamber Music Festival, his favorite being the Vienna Piano Trio, the St. Lawrence Quartet, and violinist Adrian Butterfield. At home he excelled preparing delicious Chinese food and the best breakfasts ever. Paul, Patricia‘s partner, had a name for it: The Kingfisher Special!
Such a kind heart, Ken was always willing to help everyone around him. His dry sense of humour was always appreciated by family and friends. However, in 2008, such a healthy and clever man was diagnosed with dementia, a cruel degenerative disease. Nevertheless, he endured its ordeal, being so brave and gracious till the end when he was taken by the COVID-19 virus.
Ken was a dedicated and loving family man. Everyone who shared in his life was indeed blessed and for that he will be dearly missed.
A Private Funeral with interment will be held at the National Military Cemetery, 280 Beechwood, Ottawa on Friday, July 3, 2020. Instead of flowers, memorial donations to the Salvation Army would be very appreciated. Sharing memories, tributes and condolences at https://www.beechwoodottawa.ca/en/services/ken-crabbe/. Please note the service can be viewed by live stream on the following website: https://video.isilive.ca/kencrabbe/, on Friday, July 3, at 1 p.m.