Memorable Manitobans: Kenneth Allen “Ken” Ploen (1935-2024)

Football player.

Born on 3 June 1935, he came to Winnipeg in 1957 after playing with the University of Iowa Hawkeyes in which he led the team to victory in the 1957 Rose Bowl and being named an All-American and Rose Bowl MVP. He played with the Blue Bombers for 11 years and participated in six Grey Cup championships, and winning four times.

In recognition of his sporting prowess, he was inducted into the Order of the Buffalo Hunt as a member of the 1957 Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Blue Bombers Hall of Fame (1984), Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame (1987), Order of Manitoba (2007), and Canadian Sports Hall of Fame.

He and wife Janet had two daughters and a son.

He died at Winnipeg on 13 February 2024.

Sources:

Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 24 February 2024.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 24 February 2024

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people. All are worth remembering as a lesson to future generations.

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