Kiwanis Club remembers John Ens at Safety City

A commemorative plaque was unveiled for the spectators, which was hung inside the Safety City offices.

Former club president and event organizer Bill desBarres said a lot of the work Ens did was behind the scenes.

“John was never the guy that wanted to be out front,” said desBarres. “He always pushed somebody else up front, but we always took great pride in expanding and expounding on his ideas, and his tips and hints.”

Former superintendent Dr. Ken Sauer was on hand for the ceremony, and spoke about the continuing impact of Safety City.

Yearly, between 14,000 and 25,000 students in the Medicine Hat area take part in learning about traffic safety either at Safety City or through school visits.

desBarres added the work Ens did all those years ago continues to live on in the community.

“It’s absolutely vital of course, that we need Safety City in this community,” he said. “That’s been proven time and time again as the Safety City staff goes to schools and has children here at the site.”

Members of the Ens family helped unveil the plaque, including Ens’ daughter Pat.

She said his legacy will forever be remembered at Safety City.

“I’ve heard the saying that you’re really nobody until you take your last breath, and unfortunately that happens in life,” said Ens. “But, I know my dad and how much we appreciated him. And, he lives on in our memories and our hearts.”

A separate plaque was also delivered to Ens’ wife Katherine and her family.

by Scott Roblin

Kiwanis Club remembers John Ens at Safety City

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