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philanthropist in Regina. “Shumi” was a sort of role model for young Ken,
who resolved to become a lawyer as well.
After high school, Ken studied political science at SFU for three years and
was accepted into law school at UBC, graduating in 1974. He articled at a
two-man law firm in Coquitlam, where he was largely left to his own
devices by his principal and the other lawyer. Instead of sinking, Ken swam.
After his call to the B.C. bar in 1975, he had a short-term partnership with a
friend from law school and eventually started a practice as a solo practitioner
in Coquitlam.
Over the years, Ken had several associates and employees. He valued all
of them, but especially the “long-timers”. He had a varied practice in his earlier
years at the bar but eventually focused on personal injury work. He was
known for his strong knowledge of the law, preparation, firm ethics,
straightforward practical compassion and work ethic.
Ken was active in bar affairs, holding several positions on the executive
of the Westminster Bar Association, and he was elected as a bencher from
that county. He was appointed to the board of governors of the Law Foundation
before being elected chair of the foundation. His appointment as
Queen’s Counsel was in recognition of his work in and for the profession
and in recognition of the high esteem in which he was held by his peers.
Ken was active in his community as well. He sat on the board of the Eagle
Ridge Hospital Foundation for several years during the planning and building
phase of the hospital, dealing with local and provincial politicians as
well as members of the local medical community. The hospital was opened
after countless hours of effort by local volunteers like Ken. Today, the hospital
is instrumental in delivering top-quality medical care to residents of
the Tri-Cities area.
Ken closed his office in 1999 and spent some time wrapping up his last
cases from home. In his “retirement”, he became active in his sons’ independent
school and was a member of the board of governors of the school.
He spent many happy hours cheering on his sons’ efforts at sports, drama,
debating, hosting foreign students and student leadership. His example of
leadership was adopted by his sons, and both boys were elected president
of their student council in their grade 11 years.
When he was not otherwise busy, Ken could be found on his motorcycle
making solo long-distance drives up and down the West Coast. He developed
a passion for boating as well, which he enjoyed from the family’s parttime
home on Pender Island.
Travel was an activity Ken thoroughly enjoyed. Because he was a superb
travel planner, he and Susan and the boys enjoyed many trips over the