Kenneth T. Vankka October 1, 1931 - December 16, 2006 It is with heart break and profound sadness that the family of Kenneth Tauno Vankka announces his peaceful passing on December 16, 2006 at the age of 75 years. Predeceased by his parents Saima and Tauno Vankka; his only sister Dinah; mother and father-in-law Lena and William Deley; brothers-in-law Israel Brounstein, Peter and John Deley, Mike Bodnarchuck, William La Belle and Frank Fleming. Ken, a quiet, kind and generous man, will be deeply missed and always remembered. He is survived by Mary, his loving wife of 51 years; his four children and their families: Terence (Anne) Vankka, Catherine (David) Pals, Janice (Kevin) Bonnett, David (Heather) Vankka; and his ten grandchildren of whom he was so proud and who brought him great joy: Christopher, Stephen, Evan, Nicole, Sean, Michelle, Natalie, Nicholas, Matthew and Sloane. Ken is also survived by sisters-in-law Caroline Bodnarchuck, Helen Fleming, and Edna LaBelle; brothers-in-law Robert Deley, Richard (Mary Jane) Deley; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins in Finland. Ken's life was one to be proud of, born in Fort William Ontario (now Thunder Bay) on October 1, 1931 he grew up and received his early education in Raith, Ontario and later in Fort William. As a young man Ken was an active sportsman and athlete in rowing, football, curling, badminton and golf. After graduating from Kings College in 1950 he began his accounting career with Lakehead Freightways. He had a short stint with CPR Police before joining the Fort William Times-Journal. He transferred with Thomson Newspapers to the Kamloops Daily Sentinel in B.C. in 1966. In 1974 he joined the Broadcast Centre where he remained until his retirement in March 1995. Ken was a lifetime member of Kamloops Masonic Lodge #10 as well as a member of three Scottish Rite Organizations - Thompson Valley Lodge of Perfection, Rose Croix and B.C. Consistory. But first and foremost in Ken's life was his family whom he loved dearly. Always a caring devoted husband and loving father, he was actively involved in their lives coaching and officiating baseball, hockey and football, helping with the Kamloops Swim Club, and chauffeuring his children to their activities both in and out of town. In later years he continued this active involvement with his grandchildren whom he cherished very much. He will be very much missed by his family and by the many people whose lives he touched. Ken struggled bravely with serious illness and disability over the past few years and was comforted throughout by the unfailing support of his wife Mary, family, and friends. Special thanks to all those who gave so much support throughout and whom provided help and comfort during his final days. A memorial service to celebrate Ken's life will be held at Kamloops United Church, 421 St. Paul Street at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday December 21, 2006 with Reverend Patricia McColl officiating. Should friends desire the family has requested that expressions of sympathy take the form of memorial donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association, The Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.schoenings.com Services are entrusted to Schoening Funeral Service, telephone 374-1454