Community mourns loss of entrepreneur

It was recently announced on CJ 104 radio that Ken Karnes, co-founder of Karnes Bakery, has passed away. The Shiretown Blogger wishes to express deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Karnes. Here is his death announcement.

Source: Culberson Funeral Home Website 

Kenneth Karnes

Kenneth Joseph Karnes

(Cofounder of Karnes Kitchen)

Kenneth Karnes of Woodstock, New Brunswick died peacefully on August 24, 2011.  All of his family were with him this summer which he enjoyed very much. Born, September 16, 1918,  Ken Karnes was a Veteran, a long-time businessman from Woodstock. Ken loved growing up on the Karnes homestead on Houlton Rd with his 12 brothers and sisters, and his Mama and Papa. He especially loved his almost 60 years of marriage with his wife Gertrude (deceased, November 2008).  Ken and Gertrude were true partners and friends who raised their family, worked, volunteered, traveled and enjoyed their life together, and are now reunited in peace. 

Ken went to WAR II, with the Royal Canadian Airforce.  What courage and strength for a 19 year old. Ken worked on the Airforce planes, which was a critical job. When he returned to his hometown after the war, there was very little for all these soldiers to do. He and his brother John (deceased 1992) helped his sisters who had been baking bread and soon built a bakery that went from a small kitchen at the homestead to an enterprise that provided bakery goods through the Atlantic Provinces and to the New England states. Their knowledge of managing this multi-million dollar business was phenomenal. Karnes Bakery (Kitchen) became an important part of the economic growth of Carleton County, New Brunswick, the Maritime Provinces.

They quietly practiced community activism, supporting and sponsoring the beloved Karnes Loafers hockey team, baseball, and Karnes Curling Bonspiels, becoming honorary members of the Carleton County Sports Hall of Fame, Honorary Citizens of the Town of Woodstock for their outstanding contributions to the important causes and charities for Carelton County.  Ken was honorary member of the Rotary Club.

Ken loved his family - 4 brothers and 9 sisters; his 4 children; 9 grandchildren and his 2 great grandsons; and all his dear nieces and nephews.  His daughters are Julia Karnes of Grand Falls, Rose Marie from Ottawa and Betty from Oakville, Ontario, and his son Michael from Woodstock. He is survived by his beloved sister, Natalie (John) McGuire of Maryland   Ken and Gertrude received so much joy from their nine grandchildren – Julia’s five - Angela, (Robbie) Joe, Jeffrey, Meghan;  and Betty and Stuart’s five – Jessie, Mark, Daniel, Adam and Mary.    Ken considered his great grandsons special gifts, Cameron and Colin Ketch.

Of all his family time that was special and almost sacred was the happy annual reunions at Skiff Lake.  As well, of great importance to Ken was his faith.  Until recently he went to Mass every Sunday.  He and Gertrude made many pilgrimages to Ste. Ann de Beaupre, Que.. He was recently honoured for his 60 years as a member of the Knights of Columbus.  He enjoyed marching at the Shrine at Skiff Lake at the annual Mass.  

Visitation on Friday, August 26, 2011 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. from The Culberson Funeral Home 188 Connell Street, Woodstock, NB      

His life will be celebrated on Saturday, August 27 at 10 am at St. Gertrude’s, Woodstock.  Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery.

The Culberson Funeral Home 188 Connell Street, Woodstock, NB E7M 1L8 (325-1130)  www.culbersonfuneralhome.com in care of arrangements.