Obituary of Stan McKen
Stanley McKen peacefully departed this life at his home and went to his heavenly home on August 4, 2026 at the age of 96.
Stan was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather; and friend, whose life reflected hard work, creativity, integrity and a deep commitment to his faith and family.
In his early years, he attended Windsor school through grade 7 and Orcadia School for Grade 8 before completing grade 9 at Yorkton Collegiate. Early on Stan served with the 64th Battery Artillery as Gunner Stanley McKen (Service No. L417264-a number he never forgot). As a young man, Stan began farming, a calling that remained close to his heart throughout his life. Stanley loved working and became admired for his ability to analyze mechanical and logistical challenges on the farm and invent creative solutions.
On June 18, 1954, Stan married the love of his life, Linda Tillman. Together they built a strong and loving home, sharing many years grounded in faith, dedication and family. During the early years of their marriage, Stan also worked off the farm to help make ends meet. He worked at installing sewer lines at the radar base at Orcadia and spent a winter with his young family working in Edmonton as a hide shaker (a job he detested) as well as installing water/sewer lines for the city.
Stan is lovingly survived by his wife of 72 years, Linda; his two sons, Daryl (Sharon) of Saskatoon and Brent (Bernice) of Yorkton; five grandchildren; Jennifer (Nathan), Brittany (Josh), Marcus (Darceelee), Rachel (David) and Grey (Sara); and eleven great grandchildren (Gideon, Isaiah, Emme, Danielle, Ethan, Jude, Jonah, Micah, London, Lennyn and Arlis); along with many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory. Stan was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Ethel (Everest); brothers Reginald, Norman, Wesley and Maurice; and sisters Ada and Olive.
Stan enjoyed the outdoors and in his younger years spent time snow-mobiling, hunting, trapping, and fishing. He also found joy in playing cards, socializing with family, friends and neighbours. More than anything, he enjoyed helping his children and grandchildren with doing home improvements, fixing anything broken or just teaching them how to do things themselves. His usual greeting when the family would come to visit was “Did you bring anything for me to fix?” He also enjoyed travelling and seeing new places. Trips to the United States and Hawaii, Mexico and the Maritimes resulted in making some life-long friendships. He had a warm and welcoming personality which brought many people into his life.
Stan was gifted in many areas and was known as a genuine jack-of-all-trades. He worked as a farmer, carpenter, designer, mechanic, inventor, businessman and artist. If he could imagine it, he could usually bring it to life…from repairing and restoring old tractors and antiques to fixing a child’s tricycle or designing something new. He approached every task with skill and determination.
He was also a faithful member of Springside Baptist Church and served as a church trustee. His skills and talents were put to good use in maintaining the church building and building furniture like the old communion table which is on display in the foyer with some of his memorabilia. .
As his mobility issues began preventing him from working in his workshop, he brought his workshop into the house. Much to the dismay of Linda, his tools and tool chest became part of the living room where be completed many of his projects. Recently he also found joy in drawing and sketching. When he could no longer work on tractors he began drawing them which allowed his creativity to continue in a quieter form. This continued even after he suffered a stroke in December of 2025.
Stan worked as a crop adjuster for Saskatchewan Crop Insurance and, along with Brent, they established McKen Agencies; an insurance agency that served farmers over a wide area. Because he loved meeting and interacting with people, especially farmers, this provided him the opportunity to connect with a multitude of people and share stories.
Story-telling was another of his talents. His stories, often shared with wit, humour and insight, left a lasting impression on those around him.
Stan had a deep appreciation for animals and treated every creature with care and respect. He had a special fondness for cats and dogs. His cat, Tiger, and his dog, Buddy, will live on in our family’s memories because of how much he cared for them.
Stan will be remembered as a man of strong values who believed in honesty, hard work, and treating others with dignity. His legacy will live on through his family, the many lives he touched and the example he set through his actions. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
The family extends their appreciation to Dr. Rueben Rajakumar, Dad’s cardiologist; the Homecare nurses and workers who provided him with care and support; and the many extended family members, friends and neighbors for their kindness, encouragement and visits over the years.
Visitation was held on Friday, August 7, 2026, from the Chapel at Bailey’s Funeral Home.
A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from the Springside Baptist Church. Burial followed in the Springside Community Cemetery. To view a recording on the service CLICK HERE.
Memorial donations in memory of Stan McKen can be made to the Good Spirit Bible Camp As gifts of remembrance.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home, Yorkton.
