Thursday, December 21, 2017
Some of my best Souris high school memories are the times that "Moose" and I spent together. I don't remember the exact occasion of our meeting but early on we became fast friends. I was fresh off the farm and finding my way in the "big town" and Ken was living with his grandparents so it was a new scene for both of us. And we were both quieter in nature so I think that fact helped form the bond between us. We spent a lot of time together and my memories include:
* playing baseball -- both as members of the Souris youth team and just hanging out and playing "catch".
* going to dances but not dancing since we were too shy to ask anyone to dance.
* going to the B & B Drive Inn for burgers after the dance – a more successful venture.
We parted ways after high school. I relocated to Winnipeg, Edmonton, and, eventually, to Southern Ontario. Ken stayed closer to home, going to work at the Brandon power generating plant. This was a good thing since it meant that we could get together whenever I came home for a visit. Over time these meetings became less frequent as we both married, had families, became busy. But they still happened occasionally at events such as school reunions.
A couple of years ago I was saddened to hear that Ken had needed to move into Rideau Park Personal Care Home because of health issues. But I was fortunate to be able to drop in for a visit and, one last time, we got caught up as friends.
Farewell old friend.
Grant Birks
Waterloo, Ontario
