Kenneth Wheeler

WHEELER CD Kenneth William July 31, 1949-August 11, 2020 It is with great sadness and with hearts full of wonderful memories that we announce the passing of Ken Wheeler, age 71, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Gone on ahead and waiting for him are his parents Ken & Greta Wheeler, sister Peggy Ruby, and brother-in-law Bob Farrell. Left with heavy hearts are his daughter Samantha, son-in-law Glenn, granddaughter Rebecca; nephew Will, and Samantha’s mother Ada; brothers Gary (Bonnie) and Clarence (Betsy); sisters Barb Farrell and Janice Ryan (Harold), and brother-in-law Gerald Ruby; step-daughters Olivia Hudson (Bogdan Pliner) and Victoria Taylor, as well as a large circle of family and friends. Dad was retired from the Canadian Armed Forces, a career that took him all over the country and around the world. He always spoke of his career with great pride. His career had many different facets each of which introduced us to new places and wonderful people. Dad’s fondest memories by far were of his time in Gagetown, in Cyprus on peacekeeping duties, and serving with The Blackwatch and 2RCR. Although it was challenging and dangerous work, it came with great buddies, big adventures and some crazy stories. Reminiscing always put a little sparkle in those beautiful blue eyes. Dad was an avid outdoorsman who never stopped learning. In the early years it was hunting and fishing, and in his later years protecting and nurturing. (Except for squirrels…we all know how he felt about those.) A true conservationist, he was always nursing a wild animal back to health, and feeding the birds or any other critter that happened by, which brought him much happiness. He was a wealth of knowledge, and always made sure to give back more than he took. He was also a wonderful father. A gentle giant, strong and steadfast. A compassionate listener. A man of few words so when he spoke you knew it was worth listening. He always made us feel safe. We always felt like there was nothing he couldn’t handle, even on the many adventures that started with him saying “Now, The Lord hates a coward…” As you would expect, these adventures made the best memories. In his later years, upon his return to Newfoundland for the second time, he settled in the Brigus Junction (Bull Pond) cabin area where he was fortunate to again be surrounded by a wonderful group of friends and neighbors. We would like to thank all of you for the care and kindness you extended to Dad in his last few months by checking-in on him, dropping off meals, and helping with firewood. We couldn’t possibly list everyone, but know that Dad appreciated every act of kindness. We would like to say a special thank you to Frank and Judy Woolridge, Brenda Power-King and Paul Dawe. You held a special place in Dad’s heart, and we are truly thankful for your friendship. The family would also like to thank family doctors Randy Smith and Roxanne Cooper for taking Dad on as a patient in his time of need, and when neither of them truly had room for one more. He appreciated that you both were “old school” and the very best in your field. To Dr. Duffett, thank you for your kindness toward us during Dad’s brief time in your care. You are everything a family could dream of in a specialist and you went above and beyond to provide Dad with compassionate and timely care, while making time to keep us family well-informed. Dr. Mary O’Brien and the nursing teams on 5SA and 4NA, thank you for bridging the gap during Dad’s time in hospital and working diligently to prepare him for each phase of his journey. Finally, to the ICU team that looked after Dad at the end, thank you for your gentle care and for respecting Dad’s wishes. Dad was not a church-goer, nor was he a man for large gatherings and fuss. In keeping with his wishes and abiding with the government restrictions currently in place, there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place and interment will follow at a later date with a private family ceremony. If you wish to do something in Dad’s honour may we suggest you go outside, feed the birds, clean a stream of refuse, sit on a rock and listen to the quiet sounds of nature that he dearly loved. These things would make him smile. Where there is immense grief there was great love. Until we meet again, Dad, I will hold you in my heart.