Kenneth Oliver Rea
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District Deputy Chief
Atwood Station
North Perth Fire Department
4th December 1954 - 17th March 2011
Atwood Station
North Perth Fire Department
4th December 1954 - 17th March 2011
On Thursday, March 17, 2011, downtown Listowel was struck by a fire at a local dollar store; volunteer members of the North Perth Fire Department were quick to respond. Among those members, were District Deputy Chief Ken Rea and Firefighter Raymond Walter. While they were conducting a search of the building and battling the blaze, the roof collapsed trapping them both inside and making it impossible to escape.
Ken was one of the founding firefighters who started the Elma Township Fire Department in 1974, along with his father, father-in-law and later joined by his brother-in-law. Ken started as a volunteer firefighter and after extensive training and ambition, he became a Captain, Training Coordinator, Deputy Chief and after amalgamation to North Perth, he became the District Deputy Chief – Atwood Station.
Ken was one of the founding firefighters who started the Elma Township Fire Department in 1974, along with his father, father-in-law and later joined by his brother-in-law. Ken started as a volunteer firefighter and after extensive training and ambition, he became a Captain, Training Coordinator, Deputy Chief and after amalgamation to North Perth, he became the District Deputy Chief – Atwood Station.
Ken was a lifelong resident of Elma Township, with Atwood being his hometown. He worked at Atwood Pet Food Supplies for 21 years; 13 years at Campbell Soup Company and just started as a Parts and Service Manager at Listowel City Recreation: a man of many trades!
When Ken wasn’t working, or spending time at the fire hall, you could find him cutting grass, tinkering in his shed, hunting or lending a helping hand to a neighbour or friend.
Ken also served on the Perth County Victim Services Board; making a difference wherever he could.
Most important to Ken was being a family man first and foremost: a loving husband to Louise for 36 years; a proud father to Amy, Sara and Beth and an adoring grandfather to his three grandchildren, Jaxson, Savannah and Jorja. Also being part of the unique and special brotherhood; Ken was a dedicated firefighter who kept his promise for 37 years to serve and protect his family and community.
Submitted thanks to Louise Rea.
When Ken wasn’t working, or spending time at the fire hall, you could find him cutting grass, tinkering in his shed, hunting or lending a helping hand to a neighbour or friend.
Ken also served on the Perth County Victim Services Board; making a difference wherever he could.
Most important to Ken was being a family man first and foremost: a loving husband to Louise for 36 years; a proud father to Amy, Sara and Beth and an adoring grandfather to his three grandchildren, Jaxson, Savannah and Jorja. Also being part of the unique and special brotherhood; Ken was a dedicated firefighter who kept his promise for 37 years to serve and protect his family and community.
Submitted thanks to Louise Rea.
39th DMMF Donation - 11 April 2015
Donation Sponsors
Huron-Perth Guns N' Hoses
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Pictures
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Donation Location
Royal Canadian Legion Br #259
Listowel ON |
