CARLYLE - Carlyle, a town known for its warmth and festive spirit, is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished people, Ken King, who died on Dec. 6.
King was a pillar of the community, a dedicated business owner, a loving family man and a passionate supporter of local traditions, most notably the Dickens Village Festival.
For 42 years, he owned King's Department Store, which became known for its fashionable clothing and customer service.
On Jan. 22, King held a staff meeting when he informed the staff that he might need to close the business due to some serious health issues. Jade and Travis Moore purchased the business.
“I needed to purchase the business and keep it going,” said Jade Moore.
In May, they had the official grand reopening with King in attendance. At the time King, said he was not 100 per cent, but he was not 10 per cent either, and he was happy to part of the celebration.
On Dec. 6, the morning of the opening of the Dickens Village Festival, King passed away, leaving the community in mourning. King's legacy id deeply intertwined with Carlyle’s heart and soul.
As the longtime owner of King’s Department Store, he provided not only goods and services to the community, but also a gathering place where neighbours became friends. His store was more than just a business, it reflected his commitment to Carlyle and its residents.
Even after illness forced him to step away, the impact of his years of hard work remained evident in the community he loved so much.
Word travelled quickly of King's passing and upon entering the Store, his top hat and tie sat idle by the cash register in remembrance of a man who loved this time of year.
As the town's festival continued, his absence was deeply felt by many, but his presence was honoured in the laughter, joy and unity that the event inspires. Many people have come forward with kind words about him.
Moore began working for King in September 2023, and she said she never felt so respected and valued as an employee. King always put his employees and their families first, no matter what.
“I really believe that he is the example of what a perfect boss should be, and now I have his example to follow,” said Moore.
“There is a quote that goes something like this,” she said. “They won’t remember what you said, what clothes you wore, what you did, but they will always remember how you made them feel. And for that I know Ken’s footprints on us all will be remembered forever,” said Moore.
King was always ready with a kind word, a friendly smile, and treated everyone the same way. He was a huge supporter of local and area events and often was seen giving donations and attending events.
Within a few hours, hundreds of people posted messages on King's Department Store's Facebook page, offering their condolences and sharing memories about King.
Businesses recalled the sight of him, hurrying down the street with racks of clothes while sporting his big smile and wearing his red sneakers to set up for sale known as The Big One.
Carlyle Mayor Jen Sedor said: “The community of Carlyle is saddened by the loss of our beloved community business leader, Ken King.
“Ken never forgot a face and could always be counted on for a friendly greeting or words of encouragement,” she said. “Ken, without a doubt, raised Carlyle up as a must-visit tourist destination in Saskatchewan.
“We must never forget his kind nature and spirit that so easily resonated with those who knew him. Our job now is to continue the legacy that Ken built, one of service, kindness and consideration in each other.
“We will miss you Ken; your presence on Main Street, Carlyle will remain for generations to come,” Sedor said.
