Kenneth Rude “Ken” Bjornson, beloved husband of Clara Gold Tharle, passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2005 at Vulcan Extendicare at the age of 89 years.
Ken was born January 4, 1916 at Medicine Hat, Alberta where his parents, Henry (Art) and Amelia (Molly) Bjornson had taken residence with another family for the winter. He received his education at Jensen school in Pendant a’Oreille County, Alberta. In 1924 Ken’s family moved to Coaldale where he continued his education until after grade ten. Before Ken’s marriage, he went to S.A.I.T. where he took farm mechanics. In 1937, he moved with his family to Champion. In 1945 Ken married Mary Rosella Dowing and bought a farm southeast of Champion where they farmed and raised their family. Mary passed away in November of 1996. In 1998, Ken moved off the farm to the Peter Dawson Lodge where he met and married Clara Gold Tharle in November of 1998. He resided there until ill health forced his move in 2003 to Vulcan Extendicare where he has resided since.
During his active years Ken was a member of the Alberta Flying Farmers, Robert Burns Masonic Lodge Carmangay and Champion Lions’ Club. The highlight of his life was learning to fly in 1946 at the Champion Flying Club and the purchase of an Aeronca Champ. Ken upgraded to a Cessna 170 in 1953. He enjoyed the fifty plus years that he spent with the Flying Farmers attending many American and Canadian functions.
Ken is survived by his wife Clara Gold Tharle, two sisters Irene White of Portland, Oregon and Hazel (Jack) Hopkins of Phoenix, Arizona, his three daughters Rosella (Bill) Pratt of Sherwood, Grace (Arne) Klitmoller of Champion, Gloria (Ray) Huot of Calahoo, two step children Helen McMullen and David Tharle, six grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
Ken was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Mary in 1996, a brother Alvie in 1987 and a sister Loretta Binning in 2001.
Funeral service Monday, August 8, 2005 at 1:30 p.m. at the Vulcan United Church with Sue MacDonald D.M. officiating.
Casket bearers Jesse Bjornson, Chad Bjornson, Ken Pratt, Cori Fehr, Benny Nielsen and Dennis Griffin.
Interment Champion Cemetery at 3:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, tributes in Ken’s memory can be made to either Vulcan Extendicare Ladies Auxiliary, Box 810, Vulcan T0L 2B0 or Peter Dawson Lodge Memorial Fund, Box 760, Vulcan T0L 2B0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.