The PGA of Canada Remembers

Ken was born in Halifax on June 8, 1939 to the late Gerald and Marie (Frechette) McBride. Although Ken was born on the East Coast, he spent most of his growing up years in his mother’s home province of Quebec.

From a very young age Ken had his eyes set on one goal…becoming a professional golfer. His passion and love for the game drove Ken to be the very best and to ensure that he was knowledgeable of every aspect of golf. He wasted no time in beginning his golfing career and at the age of seven, he became a caddy for the Beaconsfield Golf and Country Club in Beaconsfield, Quebec. Ken soaked in every moment. The years pressed on and so did Ken’s determination. In 1961 this proved successful when Ken moved out West to Harrison, BC and began working as the Head Professional Golf Associate at the Harrison Hotel Golf Club. Ken was just 22 years old; he became the Pro he had dreamed about as a little boy.

In the midst of pursuing his dream Ken met, fell in love with and married the cutest girl he ever saw: Ellen Link. The two were married on October 19, 1963. Ellen loved Ken’s ambitions and supported him in all his golfing efforts and adventures.

This shared adventurous spirit would lead the young couple to move East. Ken and Ellen loved the idea of simply being brave together and decided they would move to the East coast and eventually make their way back West. All the while Ken continued to fine tune his golfing skills and worked for several golf clubs in the process. In 1973 he joined the Sussex Golf and Curling Club and in 1984 Ken began working for the Miramichi Golf and Country Club; where he would stay until 2004.

Ken’s love, passion, and zeal for the game of golf only came second to his deep love and passion for his family and his faith. Ken’s love for the church could be seen in his actions and he was also there to lend a helping hand.

During their wonderful 52 years together Ken and Ellen had the utmost privilege of raising four wonderful daughters. Ken’s daughters simply thought the world of their dad, but to him, they (together with their mother) were HIS world. Ken simply adored Ellen. They shared a great love, support and encouragement of one another and were truly best friends. Ken’s loving, patient and kind heartbeat were treasured gems for his girls as they were growing up. These thoughts of their dad remained with them into their adult years and only increased once the grandchildren came along.

Ken was a man who sought to give his best, 100% of the time. He was a gentleman, respectable and considerate, who let passion and determination lead him to accomplish many things. From his career in golf, to his family and his faith, Ken was a man who loved deeply and lived his life well.

Ken will live on in the hearts of his beloved wife of nearly of 53 years, Ellen (Link) McBride; their four beautiful daughters: Wendy Matthews of Picadilly, Michele McBride and her husband Jean Boucher of Beaconsfield, Quebec, Melana Palmer and her husband Chris of Wards Creek and Lynette Stymiest and her husband Mike of Miramichi; his brother, David McBride and Lori of West Palm Beach; his grandchildren: Jordan and Jasmin Matthews, Genevieve, Emilie and Logan Boucher, Mya Palmer, and Emma and Megan Stymiest; his great grandson, Ethan; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Mr. Kenneth Roy McBride of Sussex Corner, passed away at the Sussex Health Centre on September 20, 2016 at the age of 77. He was predeceased by his brothers: Jackie, Roger, Wayne and Gerald and by his very special grandson, Matthew Palmer 9 days ago.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 11am.

If you are considering making a memorial donation the family has recommended the Sussex Extra Mural Program or the Muscular Dystrophy Society.