Date of Birth: March 31, 1931
Date of Death: January 9, 2018
Ken was born on March 16, 1931 in Broadview, SK to Alva Marguerite and James Winthrop Burge. He spent his early days on the farm in the Logwood district and later in the Northwood district near Broadview. After leaving school in Grade 8, he helped his parents with the family farm. He had an entrepreneurial nature.
Ken married Martha Anderson on July 2, 1953 and together they raised six children.
Later on, when he took over the farm, he briefly owned and operated a tire shop in Broadview, grew grain crops and raised hogs quickly learning the many skills that made him a jack of all trades.
When he sold the farm, he worked in mutual funds, insurance, a tire shop and home renovations. He owned and operated motels in Wadena and Assiniboia. At one point he moved to Round Lake and started a septic business that he later sold.
After meeting Marlane, the two of them ventured into running the resort and dance hall at West End. Ken was an inventor and, if it didn’t exist, he would build it. He was always called upon by his friends and neighbors to help with repairs or welding.
Ken had a great sense of humour and loved to tell a good story. He enjoyed close friends over the years and loved to snowmobile, hunt, fish and golf with them. He read western novels daily and took great pleasure in beating his friends and family at cribbage — always attributing the wins to his Burge luck. He especially loved to dance with Marlane and hear her sing.
Ken loved to travel; he resided at West End Resort and wintered in Arizona.
Ken and Marlane Croswell were married on Aug. 4, 2001 and spent 17 happy years together. He will be dearly missed by Marlane.
Ken will be sadly mourned by his sister, Pat Ismond and her family; and numerous other nieces and nephews.
Ken is predeceased by his sisters, Shirley and Donna Taylor; and by his sons, Ronald and Sidney Burge.
Ken will be lovingly remembered by his children, Brian (Elaine Clarke); Ronald’s children, Nadine Sawotin and Nathan, great-grandchildren Jade and Madi; daughter, Jean Nelson (John Pawliw) and granddaughter, Kristin Nelson; daughter, Teresa and grandchildren, Tiffany, Justin, Benjamin, Brooke, and Mackenzie; Anita (Jolanda Westerlaken) and granchildren, Ella and Mika Westerlaken-Burge.
He will be greatly missed by his step family: Shaun Parislau (Darren) and grandchildren Chantelle Ottenbreitt (Tim), and great-grandchildren Addyson and Isla; James Chewka (Alicia) and great-grandchildren, Jovi, Scarlett and Kade; Kelvin Croswell and grandchildren, Jolan, Gabriel, and Jaden; Sheri Hanson (Glenn Colley) and grandchildren, Kayla Vargo (Tyler) and great-grandchildren Sawyer, Laekyn; and Kelsey Hanson (Drew Czerwonka).
A heartfelt thank you to those who sent flowers, gifts, food, cards and those who attended. The warm hugs and comforting words of sympathy.
Thank you to Rev. Barb Wilkins, the pallbearers, organist, choir and the UCW for catering.
The family would also like to thank the Esterhazy Nursing Home and the Broadview Centennial Lodge for their care and support of Ken during his stays with them.
Interment took place in the Broadview Cemetery.
Arrangements were entrusted to Peter Carscadden Funeral Service.
God Bless You All!
