Kenneth “Ken” Snowdon, age 87 of Parrsboro passed away on Monday, June 6, 2016 at home.
Born at Montreal, he was a son of the late Norman and Mary (Callaghan) Snowdon.
Ken joined the Canadian Army after two years in the Government Civil Service. Enlisting in the RCOC and after basic training in Montreal, he was posted to Montreal RCOC Depot, then to Ottawa RCOC Depot. In 1949 Ken volunteered for SAS (Special Air Service), where he received his first experience of parachuting. Ken formally received his wings in 1949. SAS subsequently was disbanded, when he was posted to RCOC parachute depot in Shilo, Manitoba. He soon qualified as a parachute rigger and served as a rigger with R22R in Valcartier, Quebec from 1950 to 1952. He decided to re-badge to the Van Doo’s in order to see action in Korea, where he served for 14 months.
Upon his return from Korea, he served with the Queen’s Own Rifles in Calgary, Germany, Victoria and Cypress. Following additional tours in Germany and Winnipeg with the 2nd PPCLI, he was posted to Canadian Forces Recruit School in Cornwallis, from where he retired in 1976 as Master Warrant Officer. Among the many awards Ken received, the accolades he was most proud were Parachute Wings (1949), Special Service Medal, NATA Special Service Medal, UN Service Medal, Peacekeeping Medal, Korea Service Medal (1952), UN Cyprus, Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal and Canadian Forces Decoration and Clasp.
Following his retirement and after a short time living in Cornwallis, Ken and his beloved Nellie settled in Parrsboro in 1984. For many years, Ken and Nellie spent their winters in Zephyrhills, Florida, where Ken served as President of the Valleydale Retirement Community from 1997 to 2007.
He served on the Board of Directors of the Parrsborough Shore Historical Society, was a member of the Parrsboro Golf Club and Parrsboro Legion Branch No. 45. He was also a member of Minas Lodge No. 67, Parrsboro, Philae Temple (Shriner) and Preceptory Mount Zion No 73. Ken was an active member of his community and was a volunteer ‘Mr. Fixit’ to so many local organizations, such as St. George’s Anglican Church and the Ottawa House in Parrsboro. He was deservedly awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and a Provincial Volunteer of the Year Award for his many contributions to his community.
Ken will be greatly missed by his family, many friends and the entire community. He is survived by a sister, June Rose, Barrie, Ont.; a brother, David Simpson (Valerie), Montreal; several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Nellie in 2011; sisters, Vera, Ella; brothers, Donald, Norman.
Visitation took place on Sunday, June 12, 2016 at Smith’s Funeral Home, Parrsboro. Funeral service was held on Monday [June 13, 2016] at St. George’s Anglican Church, Parrsboro, the Rev. Dr. Brian Spence officiating. Burial in the church cemetery. Reception followed in St. George’s Anglican Church Hall, Parrsboro. Memorial donations may be made to the Parrsborough Shore Historical Society or St. George’s Anglican Church, Parrsboro. Online condolences at www.smithsfuneralhome.com .