MOREASH, Kenneth Roy "Ken"
Age 87, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2020 in Camp Hill Veterans’ Memorial Building, QEII. Ken, an only child, was born in Mulgrave tomildred "Millie" and Ernest "Ernie" Moreash, September 12, 1933. Ken is survived by his wife, Rosalie ( Johnson) Moreash; daughter, Nicole (Yves Lalonde); son, Bill (Annette White); daughter, Krista; granddaughter, Jasmine; his beloved Boxer dog, Debbie; cousins, Mike ( Linda) and Greg (Barbara) Moreash and families; in-laws, Shirlean Lewis, "bro" Reg (Deanie )Johnson, Eric (Mil) Johnson and families. Ken was predeceased by his parents; parents-in-law; special sister-in-law, Brenda (Murray) Clements; Phil Macdonald and niece, Keltie Lewis. We were married May 30, 1960. Ken grew up in Spryfield. Ken was passionate about flying from a young age. At 18 he joined the RCAF hoping to become a pilot. Thrilled, he joined the excellent pilot program in 1953. Ken graduated as a Flying Officer and received his dream placement on R.C. A. F. 441 Fighter Squadron in Marville, France, for three years of flying the venerable F86 Sabre on NATO patrol. This remained the highlight of his life. A Hasselblad camera purchased in Marville started a lifelong interest in photography. Ken was fearless, stubborn, modest, sometimes outrageous, energetic, and very funny, with an infectious smile. Flying jobs were scarce to nonexistent when Ken left the air force in August of 1958, Ken concentrated on qualifying for flying on floats and skis. In August, 1959 he headed for Newfoundland, to become a bush pilot. His orientation flight, with the chief pilot, ended with the plane stranded on a large rock, waiting for the incoming tide! During another memorable flight, he made an emergency landing in a tree in a Newfoundland back yard. The lady of the house looked at him, calmly asking "did you do that on purpose?" That made Ken’s day! With EPA he flew the Canadian "workhorse", the de Havilland Beaver. Concluding a two and one half month "project" in rugged Labrador Ken was lauded for his flying and organizing skills. Our daughter, Nicole, was a special first wedding anniversary arrival. Ken’s entrepreneurial "itch" took us to Halifax in 1962. Our son, Bill, arrived in 1962 and our daughter, Krista, in 1964. Now, a family of five, with no free time and little money, a return to flying beckoned. In 1965 Swissair, Switzerland, offered Ken a job. Our three young children didn’t complain once about learning a new language. In fact, they were soon translating for US! With the Caravelle, Ken was happily flying jets again followed by the DC-8, the DC-9 and finally the 747, for 10 years. His 25 years with Swissair was the "Golden Age" for flight crews, with good scheduling and interesting destinations worldwide. With typical intensity, Ken pursued a variety of interests over the years; photography, model airplane building and flying, tennis, motorcycling, sailing, skydiving, etc. Driving his Swiss "Ecomobile" motorcycle was a lifetime experience. Ken sailed his 36’ sailboat, Tazar, passionately, culminating in a Trans Atlantic crossing. As empty nesters, I could finally join Ken on many working flights and vacations! We were fortunate to travel to all continents, but one. Ken lived his life with a dogged determination and focus on adventure making valued friends throughout: Joe (Maureen) Oxner, Jan (Marjolijn) Tepe, Marty (Carole) Plumstead, Segers and Honeggers. I thank deeply our children including Jasmine, our granddaughter, for their concern and support during Ken’s long struggle with vascular dementia. They all accompanied Ken, during his last critical days, with great care and compassion. My handicap made their support crucial. They saw Ken home, with love and kindness. Our family would like to thank the wonderful healthcare staff at the Infirmary (Unit 7.1), Twin Oaks Hospital and last but, not least, the Veterans Memorial Hospital (Cedar Crest 3 West). Ken was well looked after and we, the family, are very grateful. No service by request. Cremation has taken place. As per Ken’s wish, his ashes will be committed, with mine, in Habitant Cemetery. Donations, in Ken’s memory, can be made to the SPCA or any charity that helps animals.
"Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings"