Kenneth Ringrose was most recognized for his enduring pursuit of excellence in Pharmacy and his commitment to the community in which he lived and worked.

A graduate of the UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in 1968, he built a long history of community service in positions that included Maple Ridge City Council Alderman, Maple Ridge School Board Trustee and Maple Ridge Parks and Recreation Board Member. On civic holidays, Ken would routinely volunteer his time to fill emergency prescriptions at his Pharmacy. While a Pharmasave Drug Store owner, Ken won the prestigious Bowl of Hygeia for outstanding service to the community by a Pharmacist. In later years he accepted the role of Pharmacy Manager at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Described by former employees as “the best boss ever”; by peers as “an icon in the Pharmacy community of Maple Ridge” and “a credit to the Pharmacy profession”; by customers as “comforting, kind and understanding”; by former classmates as “a soft spoken man” with a “great sense of humour”; and by friends as “a man of integrity” – Ken’s lasting impact on individuals and his profession are widespread. On a lifelong quest to acquire knowledge, he continued to learn and teach even during his last days. Ken was an avid reader, lover of travel, amateur fisherman and golfer, food connoisseur, chocolate dessert aficionado and lover of music. Stories from golf trips with friends and boating with the family will be fondly remembered, as will his warmth, generosity and kindness of spirit, by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Ken passed away in hospital the morning of August 15, 2013 in the presence of loved ones. He is survived by his loving family: wife Maureen, daughter Andrea, son Michael (Tammy), daughter Krista (Dino) and grandchildren Mackenzie, Samantha, Jadyn, Capri and Doran.

The Kenneth G. Ringrose Memorial Award in Pharmaceutical Sciences has been established in memory of Ken, and will recognize outstanding community service by a University of British Columbia pharmacy student.

Your contribution will make a fitting tribute to Ken’s life and career, by rewarding and supporting a student who is living the values of community service that were so important to him.