CLAHANE, Kenneth David

Age 89, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2021, in Northwood Centre, Halifax. Big Ken was born in Bedford on Christmas day in 1931. He grew up there when kids were free to roam, and he learned to love outdoor adventures with resourceful friends. In his last years of high school his family moved to the New Minas area where he met his future wife, Jean Coxhead. After a brief stay at the University of New Brunswick pursuing other passions – hockey and forestry – he soon came home to marry. Big Ken is survived by children, Kenneth V. (Patricia) of Waverley; Paul (Ann) of Bedford; Patricia (Kenneth ‘Rex’ Reid, deceased) of Bedford; Robert (Diane) of Halifax, and Timothy (Laura ‘Lori’) of Bridgewater; his sister, Sheila and brother, William "Bill", and by grandchildren, Erin, Adam, Eric, Matthew, Phillip and Ben. He was predeceased by his wife, Jean; parents, Thomas Francis Clahane and Maude (Carnell) Clahane; brother, Tom, and two infant children. Everyone knew Big Ken was happiest in the woods or on the water. That included being on ice, as when he played for the Bedford Barrons hockey team in the rough and skilled Suburban League. Big Ken liked to have fun, but he worked when he played. He was a provider. He took great pride in what he put on the dinner table after hunting or fishing. That food was especially important when he had only seasonal work on a cement truck and checking baggage on the CN trains from Pier 21. But his ability to connect with people lead to a career in the insurance business. He first worked with a local partner and, with Jean, later built Beacon Insurance brokerage from scratch. The office stayed in the family with another generation while he enjoyed retirement. Through all these stages of life Big Ken was a dedicated volunteer in the Bedford Lions Club, a community service group helping people in need and creating local rink, swimming and park facilities, sharing lots of fun in the process. Big Ken never missed a work party, or any party … unless it conflicted with a hunting or fishing trip. Which is why Jean’s honeymoon during deer season took place in the Margaree Valley. In the make-do style of the 1950’s, Big Ken’s growing family lived several years in a cramped basement until he was able to build a proper house on top, overlooking the sunny corner of Maple and Birch Streets. In later years he took equal satisfaction establishing the family cottage and many friendships at Little Mushamush Lake. Both of these special places now belong to younger Clahanes. Big Ken would like that. He leaves us with lots of stories and memories of a full life. The family is very grateful for Northwood Centre’s warm-hearted surroundings and compassionate care of both Ken and Jean. In lieu of flowers suggestions for memorial donations include the Margaree Salmon Association or the Northwood Foundation. COVID-19 protocols will be followed during visitation on Sunday, July 18th, from 2-5 p.m. in T. K. Barnard Funeral Home, 85 Sackville Cross Road, Lower Sackville. To allow a COVID19 friendly gathering size the funeral liturgy service will take place outdoors on Friday, July 23rd at 1 p.m. in Brookside Community Cemetery, Wardour Street, Bedford. As Big Ken would tell us: dress for comfort, consider the weather, and you’ll want to sit so bring your lawn chair.