Kenneth "Ken" Alexander Urquhart, age 75, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on April 27th at 9:15am at Geisinger Medical Center where he had been a patient. Born to Harry Urquhart and his second wife Lily (Vester) in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, Ken led a life filled with love, adventure, and compassion.
In his youth, Ken discovered his passion for Chevy muscles cars and motorcycles, particularly Triumphs and Nortons, which ignited countless adventures and close calls. However, an abundance of speeding tickets led him to part ways with his beloved motorcycles and leave Chatham in 1976, marking the beginning of his journey across parts of the globe.
Ken's career took him to various corners of the world. Starting with Star-Kist Canada as a can manufacturer, he later transferred to H.J. Heinz Co in Stockton, California, and then to Star-Kist in American Samoa, where fate introduced him to his cherished wife, Margaret "Maggie" (Lee). Together, they embarked on a beautiful journey that led them to Star Kist Caribe in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, where they welcomed their son, Henry James. Subsequently, they returned to American Samoa in 1980, where their daughter, Rhonda, completed their loving family. In 1988, Ken made another significant move to Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, joining Star-Kist Pet Foods can-making plant (which had later sold from Heinz to Impress) until his retirement in August 2007. Ken was a member of St. Columba Catholic Church, Bloomsburg.
Ken's love extended beyond his family and career to encompass all creatures great and small. He transitioned from a fondness for dogs in his youth to becoming known as the "cat man", caring for and adopting neighborhood strays. In his later years, he found solace in watching and feeding birds and squirrels, finding joy in their presence.
As for hobbies, Ken enjoyed flower and tomato gardening, bowling, golfing (in his younger years), watching NASCAR races on TV, cooking chili for his family and friends, and taking the family to Rogers Stadium in Toronto to watch MLB's Toronto Blue Jays games.
In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by 10 brothers: Peter, Prosper, Pat, Gordon, Ed, William, Hubert, John, Leo, Bill and 4 sisters: Margaret White, Angela Bechard, Mary Zimmer, and Agatha Duff.
Ken is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Maggie of Bloomsburg, his loving children, Henry and wife Kellie of Mililani, HI, and Rhonda of Bloomsburg; cherished grandchildren Paige Wilks, Kennedy Urquhart, and Xavier Urquhart; as well as his sisters; Dorothy Provost (Jim), Theresa Bechard, and brother Harry Urquhart (Helen) all of Canada. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit and memories will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He will especially be missed by his family.
A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, May 6, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Columba Catholic Church, 342 Iron St., Bloomsburg with Rev. Richard J. Mowery, as celebrant. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc., is honored to be serving the Urquhart family. Memorial contributions in Ken's name are suggested to any local animal rescue.