Kenneth Edward von Platen

Kenneth “Kippy” von Platen passed away January 30th, 2018 aged 82 years after a brief struggle with cancer at Dulcina Hospice in Calgary, Alberta. In his final days, Ken was able to spend time with his friends and loved ones. Ken was born April 12, 1935 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Elsa and Curt von Platen, the middle brother to Bernice and Robert. It was in his youth that Ken began his life long love of the game of golf which provided so much joy and lifetime friendships for decades to come and it was on a golf course that Ken met his future wife, Dorothy Sterry. A close second for Ken was a passion for most everything automotive and particularly curious and uncommon for the time European sports cars, most especially the several Porsches that he owned over the years. Again, his love for cars led many more lifetime friendships from sports car clubs and the Canadian rally circuit in which he competed for many years in the 1960’s. Both favourites pastimes came together to bestow to Ken his life-long best friend, Charlie Saladin. After graduating from United College in Winnipeg, Ken went on to study business at the University of Manitoba. Soon after graduation, Ken started his career at the T. Eaton Co., and after nearly 35 years he retired in the role of manager of Southern Alberta and based in Calgary. Ken was able to enjoy many years of his retirement playing golf in many different parts of the world with the friends he had made. Ken leaves behind his brother and sister, his two children, April and Curt, and two grandsons, Quinn and Christian. There is no formal service planned.