Kenric (Ken) Samuda passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Mon, Jan 14th.

Ken is survived by his wife Madeleine; daughters Monica and Elizabeth(Larry); and five grandchildren, Amber, Samuel, Genevieve, Jasmine, and Xavier.

Ken's quiet demeanor, giant laugh that made us jump, asbestos hands, generous ways, loyalty, and sense of humour will be missed. All who encountered him, became a friend. If you were under his protection or guidance, you know that he kept a close eye on you and helped in every way he could. The 7;00 a.m. “Just checkin’ on you” phone calls were a testament to his love. 

Ken was born in St Elizabeth, Jamaica on Dec 6, 1935. He grew up with his family, mother (Wilhelmina), father (Edward), sisters Agnes ‘Miss G’, Doris ‘Sam’, Natlie, Gwen, Pauline, late sister Norma and late brother Terrence. In the 1960’s he moved to England with his brother to make his way in the world and to send money back to his family. Seven years later, he moved to Winnipeg, where he trained as an upholsterer, bookkeeper and tax preparer. After a mining accident in Thompson, MB, he spent 5 years in and out of hospital for reconstructive surgeries. His cast and crutches were a great excuse to have his books from Red River carried home by his future wife.

Being married for 43 years, both Ken and Madeleine built a beautiful life together. They worked very hard to give everything they could to their two daughters, Monica and Elizabeth, ensuring that they had a great education, knew the value of money, hard work, perseverance, and to challenge injustice. This attention was then transferred to the grandchildren.

Their home on Jeanne d’Arc in St. Boniface saw many visitors, friends, family, parties, always fresh coffee (the real McCoy) and rum. Working with his strong hands to build and restore gave him great joy and through it many friends. His love of gardening and the ability to grow the biggest and best tomatoes, will be a skill unmatched by most. 

The move to Ste-Agathe was at first difficult, but being closer to their family made for a much tighter bond. That Ken was able to walk or drive for miles just to visit or grocery shop was always a wonder. He would walk a kilometer with a bag full of oranges and fruit to deliver to his grandkids, or drive around for a full day to deliver fresh homemade bread. Everyone knew how much he loved his grandkids by his ever-present and well-worn Grandpa t-shirts. He loved sitting on a kitchen chair on his driveway, just so he could meet and visit with any passerby. 

Ken’s dream of having a home in Jamaica became a reality. Even though he wasn’t able to be there as much as he wanted, his love for the country and his family is in every brick of the house he built with his brother.

If you cannot join the family for this celebration, there will be a celebration of life at his home in Jamaica in May, 2019. Details to come. Internment will take place in the summer in Winnipeg, with an outdoor get-together for those that wish to be present. Cremation has taken place.

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Ken’s life will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m on Sunday, January 20, 2019. For more information about the service please contact Integrity Cremation & Funeral Planning by email, info@integritydeathcare.com

Please feel free to leave your stories and remembrances in the comments section.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Cancer Care Manitoba in Ken’s name, is greatly appreciated.

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