Kenneth Stanley "Ken" Marchant – 90, Truro. The family of Kenneth Stanley Marchant wish to announce his passing on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, with family by his side. Born in the Annapolis Valley, Ken was the son of the late Henry "Chick" and Nina (Beare) Marchant. Ken grew up in Kentville with his older siblings, Helen and Ron. He played every sport, the snare drum in his grandfather’s drum and bugle band, and spent summers at the cottage in Kingsport.
Following graduation from King’s County Academy, Ken took a job with the railway. (CPR) He met the love of his life, Ethel Longley, a young teacher from Bridgetown, when one of his buddies dared him to ask her to dance. They married in 1957. After a short time, teaching in River Hebert, Ken and Ethel moved to Fredericton, with a new baby in tow, where Ken was enrolled at University of New Brunswick (UNB).
During his time there, he proudly wore the captain’s jersey for UNB Red Devils varsity hockey team, and was All Canadian in 1963-64. Ken and Ethel formed numerous lifelong friendships while at UNB, with years only making the bonds stronger.
Ken began his career as the first Director of Athletics at Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Bible Hill in 1964, where he remained until his retirement in 1994. He coached various sports, acted as Dean of Residence, and oversaw community events such as the annual Christmas Craft Market, and summer basketball camps. Ken spent a year on sabbatical at Springfield College in Massachusetts, where he earned his Masters of Physical Education.
Ken was a founding member of both Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association and Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association. His numerous contributions lead to his induction into the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2014.
Ken was an active member of Brunswick Street United Church for over 50 years, where he served in various roles. His community work included serving on the Board of Colchester Regional Hospital Foundation, advocacy for the disabled, and being a devoted blood donor for Canadian Red Cross.
Ken is survived by his daughter, Kim Watson (Dale); son, Steven; grandchildren, Nicola (Andrew), Lincoln (Kiersten), Lucas (Ally), and Declan Watson; great grandchildren, Ophelia and Fisher Watson.
Ken was predeceased by his wife, Ethel; infant son, Jeffrey; baby granddaughter, Samantha Michelle; parents, Henry and Nina Marchant; sister, Helen Duncan; brother, Ronald Marchant; partner, Cheryl Pearce.
Ken led a vibrant and happy life surrounded by his large loving family and many friends and colleagues.
In keeping with his generous spirit, Ken made the selfless decision to donate his body to Dalhousie University for medical research and education. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in his memory be made to Dalhousie Department of Medical Neuroscience.
In honour of Ken, the family invites you to join them for a Celebration of Life that will be held 1 p.m., Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Community United Church (formerly Brunswick Street United Church), 250 Brunswick Street, Truro, Reverend Shannon MacLean officiating. Reception will follow in the Dining Hall. Please bring your favourite stories and remember the good times, the lobster laughs, and the unforgettable sunsets shared with those he loved at the family cottage at Brule Shore.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Tributes, words of comfort and memories may be shared at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com