Ken was born on March 16, 1931 in Broadview, Saskatchewan to Alva Marguerite and James Winthrop Burge. He spent his early years on the farm in Logwood District and later in the Northwood district near Broadview.

After leaving school in grade 8, he helped his parents with the family farm. He had an entrepreneurial nature.

Ken married Martha Anderson on July 2, 1953 and together they raised six children.

Later on, when he took over the farm, he briefly owned and operated a tire shop in Broadview, grew grain crops and raised hogs quickly learning the many skills that made him a jack of all trades.

When he sold the farm, he worked in mutual funds, insurance, a tire shop, and home renovations. He owned and operated motels in Wadena and Assiniboia. At one point, he moved to Round Lake and started a septic business which he later sold. After meeting Marlane, the two of them ventured into running the resort and Dance Hall at West End. Ken was an inventor and, if it didn’t exist, he would build it. He was always called upon by his friends and neighbours to help with repairs or welding.

Ken had a great sense of humour and loved to tell a good story. He enjoyed close friends over the years and loved to snowmobile, hunt, fish and golf with them. He read western novels daily and took great pleasure in beating his friends and family at cribbage – always attributing the wins to his Burge luck. He especially loved to dance with Marlane and hear her sing.

Ken loved to travel; he resided at Westend Resort and wintered in Arizona. 

Ken and Marlane Croswell were married on August 4, 2001 and spent 17 happy years together. He will be dearly missed by Marlane.

Ken will be sadly mourned by his sister Pat Ismond, her family and numerous other nieces and nephews. 

Ken is predeceased by his sisters Shirley and Donna Taylor and by his sons Ronald and Sidney Burge.

Ken will be lovingly remembered by his children Brian (Elaine Clarke); Ronald’s children Nadine Sawotin and Nathan, great grandchildren Jade and Madi; daughter Jean Nelson (John Pawliw) – granddaughter, Kristin Nelson; daughter Teresa, grandchildren Tiffany, Justin, Benjamin, Brooke, and Mackenzie; Anita (Jolanda Westerlaken), grandchildren Ella and Mika         Westerlaken-Burge.

He will be greatly missed by his step family: Shaun Parislau (Darren) - grandchildren Chantelle Ottenbreitt (Tim), great grandchildren Addyson and  Isla; James Chewka (Alicia), great grandchildren Jovi, Scarlett and Kade; Kelvin Croswell, grandchildren Jolan, Gabriel, and Jaden; Sheri Hanson (Glenn Colley), grandchildren Kayla Vargo (Tyler), great grandchildren Sawyer, Laekyn; and Kelsey Hanson (Drew Czerwonka).

The family would like to thank the Esterhazy Nursing Home and the Broadview Centennial Lodge for their care and support of Ken during his stays with them.

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