On Thursday, July 14, 2011, Kenneth Myron Malenko, aged 50 years, passed away unexpectedly near Carman, MB. Ken was born in Vita on October 6, 1960. He grew up in Sirko on the family farm. He attended school in Sundown and Vita where he graduated high school. He continued on at the University of Manitoba where he achieved a BSc (Honours) in Physics and a Diploma in Agriculture, all the time continuing to work on the family farm. He, then, with his brother Barry, took on farming full time. He remained very active in the agricultural industry being involved locally with SPADA, serving as a director on the MCPA board, and participating with the Canada Beef Export Federation. Up for a new challenge, he took on the role of agricultural loans officer at the Community Credit Union in Vita, during which time he met his wife Crystal from Ashern. They moved to Fisher Branch where he took on the position of agricultural/commercial loans officer at the Eriksdale Credit Union. While in Fisher Branch, their daughter Claire was born. Shortly thereafter Ken was offered the Branch Manager’s job at the Westoba Credit Union in Swan Lake. The family moved to Carman where they also purchased a bed and breakfast. Ken’s main passion was his family; he also loved films, music, playing guitar, and staying intellectually active by constantly reading and researching a variety of topics. One of his happiest moments was when he fell in love and married Crystal. He was extremely proud to be a father and wherever Ken went, you were almost certain to find his daughter Claire with him. Ken leaves to cherish his memory, wife Crystal, daughter Claire, sister Marilyn (Jeffrey) Thompson, nieces Jaylyn and Reegan; three brothers, Barry; Allan (Joanne); Bob (Wilma), niece Dana, and nephew Garrett; mother-in-law and father-in-law Helen and Theodore Denhard; sister-in-law Lynn (Garth) Perrin; nephews Steven and Brent; numerous relative and friends. Ken was predeceased by his parents John and Dorothy. Prayers will be said on Wednesday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Dr, Steinbach MB. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, July 21 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Elias Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Sirko MB with Very Rev Fr M. Pozniak and Rev Fr O. Naherniak officiating. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to a trust fund for Claire at the Community Credit Union, Vita branch. Vichnaya Pamyat