Obituary of Kenneth Hugh Carman

Kenneth Hugh Carman passed away peacefully on May 24, 2016. He was born July 20, 1925 and was raised and attended school in the Fielding area. Kenneth was predeceased by his parents, Russel and Hilda Carman, his loving wife Rena Margaret (Nee Ludwig) of 56 years in June 2008, sister Wilma, brother-in-law Roy, and sisters-in-law Mary, Irene, Faye and Marie. Ken had many successes in his life which he said fell into his lap. After leaving home and farm 1946, he worked for various automotive service industries in North Battleford and Saskatoon. In 1952 he married Rena Margaret. She was a huge influence and impacted greatly on Ken's life, and together for 56 years they shared their many hopes and dreams. In 1955 he ventured into self-employment selling fruit and vegetables from a truck door-to-door. When business declined he purchased farmland in 1962 in the Gideon School District. The farmstead was soon reconstructed to eventually house 4 pullet barns holding up to 40,000 birds. A reputation was soon earned for producing a quality pullet which was profitable for the egg producer. Ken kept a laying flock of 20,000 pullets. This business provided the family with chores and activities which gave them responsibilities and opportunity of working together with others, as neighbours were often called upon to help. Specialty crops and potatoes were grown and produce sold at local city market. The farm was sold in 1977 and Ken and his wife moved back into Saskatoon where he worked driving a school bus with Hertz Northern Bus Company until 1990 when he retired. In pursuit of a dream, Ken and his wife built a home just outside of Saskatoon where they lived until declining health forced them to move back to Saskatoon to Palisades. Family, loyal friends and business associates were highly valued. He always enjoyed good and challenging conversations that were thought provoking. Family gave Ken a purpose and an opportunity to share hopes and dreams and to have fun. He was proud of all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and their accomplishments. Time spent with his children and their families had special meaning and memories. Ken played an active role in his church and community. His main interest was with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows where he was a 69 year life member. In earlier years he enjoyed curling and bowling. Ken loved to read. This provided him with ongoing education and kept him current with events happening in and around his world. He also enjoyed tinkering around on the acreage, refurbishing an Allis Chalmers tractor and an All Crop 40 Combine. It was nothing new for him to come up with some invention that would make work on the farm or acreage easier. He invented a machine in which he rolled newspapers. The rolls were donated to the Rebecca and Odd Fellow Lodges as a fundraiser for many charities. He converted an old school bus into a motor home, which was used to travel to see family and friends. He loved to go out to his son's farm and help plant and harvest vegetable crops. Ken completed a family genealogy consisting of 6 generations and was working on another 3 family histories up until his death. Ken was thankful for his full lifetime of memories and accomplishments. Ken is survived by his 3 daughters, Wilma Poole, Bona Dea Huculiak (Gordon), Linda Weber (Rick), and son Douglas Carman (Anna), 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, sister Maxine Sonmor (Eugene), brother-in-law Jim, sister-in-law Doris, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff at the Palisades and the Cardiac Ward of RUH. You made a difficult time easier with your kindness, compassionate care and professionalism.