Ken Imperius

A quiet man who lead his life with dignity, humor, friendship and honor has left
us.

Ken passed away in his 94th year at Hogarth Riverview Manor on July 07, 2018. 

He was born October 4th 1923 in Fort William and educated at Central School and Collegiate Institute. He was the eldest son of Paul and Ella (Biergstrom) Imperius.

Ken joined the RCAF in 1943 and was stationed at the airbase at Wickenby, England. He flew on the Lancaster Bomber, 12th Squadron and was a rear gunner flying night missions over the heart of Germany. On March 16, 1945 the target that night was Nurenberg, Germany which was one of the most heavily defended cities in all of Germany. Ken left on the Lancaster that night with 32 other Lancasters and 16 Mosquito aircraft for the raid on Nuremburg. Ken and his crew were reported missing in action on March 17th, 1945 after his plane was shot down on the night mission. Ken and his bomb aimer managed to escape from the burning aircraft by parachute. They were the only survivors of a crew of seven. Ken was captured and interred at Camp 7A near Nuremburg for the rest of the war. That night 24 Lancaster Bombers were lost on the raid. The prisoners were liberated by the American troop headed by General Patton in his jeep and convoy. Ken's crew are buried at the Airforce Cemetery at Durnbach near Munich, Germany.

Ken returned to Canada in 1945 and worked in the Black Dental Lab as an apprentice. In 1950 he completed the Registered Dental Technicians exam in Toronto and Returned to purchase the lab. The renovated home at 55 N. Court Street became the new quarters for the Imperius Dental Lab which Ken owned and operated for over 45 years until his retirement December 31st, 1998. Ken enjoyed his career with the dental profession.

Upon his retirement, the Thunder Bay Dental Association honoured Ken for his many years of devoted service and laboratory skills. Ken's most memorable accomplishments were fabricating a full gold lower incisor for the local police dog "Shadow" and the emblem for the chain of office for the Thunder Bay Dental Association.

Ken was on the Governing Board of Dental Technicians of Ontario and held the position of Vice-Chairman and Examination Chairman. He was also a member of the Advisory Committee of the Dental Assistant Hygiene Program at Confederation College. Member of the Ex- Air Force Prisoner of War Association of Canada. Member of the Caterpillar Club. Past President of the Port Arthur Gyro Club. Member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Port Arthur Branch #5.

Upon his retirement Ken enjoyed many summers at the family cottage at Amethyst Harbour with his children and grandchildren.

Ken was predeceased in death by his parents, brother Gregory, sister Chrissie and sister-in-law Susan. He will be forever remembered in the hearts of his wife Mary of 59 years, children Ella Maria and husband Steven Wolfe, Paul and grandchildren Nicholas and Isabella Imperius. He is also survived by his brother Dr. Eric Imperius and nieces and nephews.

There will be a private family service held according to his wishes with interment in the family plot at Riverside Cemetery. A reception for family and friends will be held on Friday July 13th at 1:00 pm in the Valhalla Inn.

If friends so desire, donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Port Arthur Branch #5 or to the Thunder Bay District Humane Society would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Sargent &Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.