Kenneth Spence

Kenneth August Spence of Waterhen MB passed away peacefully with his family at his side on June 27th, 2025. 

Born on October 4, 1942, in Ste Rose, Manitoba to Fred and Mae (Gislason) Spence. Ken was a hardworking, family-oriented man whose laughter, sense of humour and creative story telling were the heart of every visit at the Spence coffee table. His greatest joy in life was his children and granddaughters, who brought him endless pride and happiness. He was a man of quiet strength, deep loyalty, and unwavering love for his family. He was a man who found joy in the simplest and purest of moments life had to offer.  Ken started working with his father on Spence Ranch and commercial fishing operation near Lake Manitoba. Over the years, Ken took over and continued that work alongside his wife Virginia, building a life rooted on the Ranch. Ken passed on the cattle ranch to his son, but never truly stepped away. He may have officially retired, but no one could ever convince him to actually slow down. Despite everyone’s best efforts to get him to relax, he was always finding something to fix, check, or supervise. His work ethic was unmatched, his standards were high, and his energy seemed endless. Retirement, to him, just meant more coffee breaks. Until his last days he remained a steady presence in the field, offering guidance, a helping hand, and quiet companionship in the work he loved. His family, children and granddaughters was what his life was rooted in and his whole purpose and heart. His presence brought comfort, his humor brought light, and his legacy lives on in his family and friends who had the honor to love him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. 

Predeceased by his parents, Fred and Mae Spence; his niece, Darlene Hiebert; and his brother-in-law, Jake Hiebert.

Left to mourn his passing are his devoted wife, Virginia Spence (née Holt); his son and best friend, Galen Spence; his daughter, Alanna Los (née Spence); his son-in-law, Jeremy Los; and his cherished granddaughters, Caleigh and Harper Los. He is also survived by his sister, Audrey Hiebert, and his nephew, Wayne Hiebert.

His life will be honoured in a private service at Waterhen South Cemetery, where family and friends will gather to say goodbye and lay him to rest, surrounded by those who held him close in life and hold him still in their hearts. 

“Grief is the most honest reflection of love. You would not feel so deeply if you did not first have the capacity to love just as deeply.”

A private service will be held for Ken.

If friends so desire, a donation in memory of Ken may be made to a Charity of One's Choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth Spence, please visit our floral store.