Kenneth Richard Dawson Smithson, of Yorkton and formerly of Ebenezer, went home to his Lord and Saviour on Sunday, August 23, 2015. Ken was born on August 18, 1927 in the Naisbury, SK area to Richard and Mildred (nee Olm) Smithson. He attended Simpson, West Ebenezer and the Ebenezer Village Schools. The family lived in and around the Ebenezer area. Ken met the love of his life, Frances Pfeifer and they were united in marriage on November 3, 1951. The marriage was blessed with two daughters, Brenda (Dale) Prodonchuk and Corinne (Wayne) Ferris. Ken received his Mechanics' Ticket in Edmonton, AB and went to work at Kunnetsky's Garage, the Falkowsky's Garage before he opened Ken's Service in 1961. He worked long hours, especially at this time of the year, out in the field fixing a farmer's combine. He closed the garage in 1967 and went to work at Carnduff Motors. He made many life-long friends there. He then worked at Morris Rod Weeder until his health forced an early retirement. Ken was very active in his community, serving as Village Mayor and Councillor for many years. He was also a member of the Parks and Rec Board and helped get the Curling Rink built. He was new to curling, but he was really good at it. He was a member of the Threshermen's Club and enjoyed working on the old steam tractors. Then came the great joys in his life - his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Renee (Jamie) Markham, Breanne and Colton; Steven (Kim) Prodonchuk, Kennedy, Matthew and Dawson; Braden (Sheri) Ferris, Dylon, Mason and Taylor; Jeff (Cheryl) Prodonchuk, Lillian, Joshua and Jordan; Kendon Ferris. He would spend hours with his grandkids, teaching them how to fix things, going fishing and watching them play hockey. He was so very proud of each and every one. Ken was predeceased by his beloved wife, Frances; his parents, Richard and Mildred Smithson; his parents-in-law, Jack and Mary Pfeifer; his sisters, Ruby, Joyce and Margarite (in infancy); his brothers, Jack and Morley and his brothers-in-law, Max Uhl, Lawrence Zimmer, M.A. Powell and Ernie Pfeifer. He leaves to mourn his passing and celebrate his life, his daughters, Brenda (Dale) Prodonchuk, Corinne (Wayne) Ferris and their families; his sister, Bernice Powell and his sisters-in-law, Gerry Smithson, Jane Smithson and Hazel Pfeifer, numerous nieces and nephews and many dear friends. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. A Memorial Service took place on Friday, August 28, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. from Ebenezer Baptist Church in Ebenezer, SK with Pastor Kendall Buhler officiating. The organist, Elaine Patzer led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "In The Garden" and "My Jesus I Love Thee". The soloist, Amanda Buhler sang "The Old Rugged Cross". A Cremation Committal service took place at the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery with Kenneth's grandchildren; Renee Markham, Steven Prodonchuk, Braden Ferris, Jeff Prodonchuk and Kendon Ferris serving as Urn Bearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
