Kenneth Elroy Switzer went to be with the Lord on October 22, 2021 at the age of 79. He lived on the family farm with his wife Lavonne for forty-seven years.
Ken was born to Grace and Charlie in Dodsland, SK on July 7, 1942 and was the oldest of three children. He attended school in Battleford, Kelfield and Springwater. He took a taxi to school in Battleford and claimed he rode a horse to school in Kelfield, although, when asked, his mother had no recollection of that.
After finishing Grade 10 in Springwater, he worked in Biggar at a garage and decided he wanted to be a mechanic. He began his studies in Moose Jaw and then finished his four year apprenticeship in Camrose, AB and Edmonton.
While in Camrose, on a blind date, he met a beautiful Bible school student named Lavonne, who had just returned with her family from the mission field in India. It would have been difficult to imagine a more unlikely couple. While Ken fell head over heels in love, Lavonne was less convinced. But Ken was determined and he worked hard to win her heart. He did win her over and they were married on July 18, 1964.
After a number of moves from Alberta to Ontario to BC, they ended up on the farm in Kelfield. For Ken, this was coming home, but to Lavonne, this was an entirely new world that would take twenty years or so to adjust to.
Over their 57 years of marriage, Ken and Lavonne raised nine children on the farm and fostered many more. Many children and teenagers would call the Switzer farm home.
Ken loved to repair antique tractors, his yearly fishing and hunting trips and road trips to see his family. Ken was an active member of the farming community in Kelfield, and his neighbours knew he could be counted on to help repair whatever vehicle might have broken down. No matter the time of day or night, Ken was ready to lend someone a helping hand. He loved visiting and catching up, and even in his later days, Lavonne would spot him heading over the hills in his beloved side by side, off to the neighbours for coffee.
Ken loved God and lived a life that was an amazing example of what it means to be a Christian. He was kind hearted and always extended grace to those he knew. He loved his family without always saying it, but he always demonstrated that love with his actions. He left a legacy for his family and they are richer for how he led them. He will be deeply missed.
Ken leaves to mourn his loving wife Lavonne, and his children Ken (Isabel), Rob (Connie), Terry (Katherine), Michelle, Kimberly (Joseph), Wanda, Angie, Natasha and Miranda. As well, his siblings Murray (Gloria) and Florence (Cliff) and his grandchildren Luke, Portia, Savanna, Braeden, Jaymee, Anaka, Kayley, Jonah, Kwanita, Alexis, Jackson, Gavin, Selene and Raiden.