It is with profound respect and sadness that the heavy recovery community and reality television fans continue to remember the life of Ken Monkhouse. Affectionately known as “Monkey” to his colleagues, friends, and viewers around the world, Ken Monkhouse passed away on May 24, 2020, following a sudden heart attack.
At the time of his passing, he was a beloved heavy rescue tow truck operator based in Hope, British Columbia, and a fan-favorite cast member on the hit reality television series Highway Thru Hell. The tragic news of his death was initially confirmed by his former employer, Jamie Davis Towing, leaving a massive void in the tight-knit Canadian towing community. Though time has passed, fans of the show and fellow truck operators frequently look back on his life, honoring a man who spent his days rescuing others from perilous situations.
Who Was Ken Monkhouse?
Ken Monkhouse was a man defined by his incredible work ethic, compassionate spirit, and quirky personality. Operating out of Hope, British Columbia, Ken worked in one of the most demanding and dangerous professions imaginable: heavy vehicle rescue and recovery.
His daily route frequently took him along the Coquihalla Highway (famously known as “The Coq”), an intense and treacherous mountain pass known for brutal winter weather, steep drop-offs, and frequent avalanches. Navigating sub-zero temperatures and blinding snowstorms, Ken dedicated his career to keeping the vital trucking routes of the Pacific Northwest open and safe.
Throughout his career, he worked closely with the famous Jamie Davis Motor Trucking crew, and at the time of his passing, he was employed by Mario’s Towing in Hope, B.C. His employers and peers universally praised his dedication, with Jamie Davis Towing stating, “He was a wonderful and compassionate man, with a great sense of humour. We’ll miss his spirit and his big heart”.
If you are interested in reading more about the brave individuals who keep our roads safe, explore our [heavy rescue industry news] section.
A Fan-Favorite on ‘Highway Thru Hell’
Highway Thru Hell is a globally recognized documentary series that highlights the gritty, dangerous, and high-stakes reality of heavy towing. However, viewers connected with Ken Monkhouse not just because of his elite driving and recovery skills, but because of his authentic, humble, and approachable demeanor.
In an industry often characterized by machismo and tough exteriors, Ken brought a refreshing sense of humanity and humor. He never let the stress of clearing massive, multi-vehicle wrecks in minus-30-degree weather compromise his good nature. Fans of the show resonated deeply with his journey, making him a standout star. Following his death over the Memorial Day weekend in 2020, social media was flooded with tributes from viewers who felt a personal connection to the hardworking driver.
Family and Survivors
While Ken was a hero on the treacherous mountain highways, his true heart was always at home. Ken Monkhouse is survived by his beloved son, Wynter, who was the center of his world.
Beyond his profession, Ken was fiercely loyal to his family and had an unapologetic love for the simple things in life. According to a heartfelt tribute released by Mario’s Towing, Ken was known for his “quirky personality, love of his family, cats, and his Buick”. These personal touches made him truly one-of-a-kind. Following his passing, the international towing community rallied around Wynter and the rest of Ken’s family, ensuring they were supported while asking the public to respect their privacy during the grieving process.
For more stories on the lives of beloved public figures, you can browse our [Canadian television star obituaries].
Legacy and Impact in the Towing Community
The legacy of Ken Monkhouse extends far beyond the episodes of a television show. He represents the unsung heroes of the highway the men and women who risk their own safety to rescue stranded motorists and clear dangerous wrecks.
Upon his passing, a quote rapidly circulated across online tow truck forums that perfectly encapsulated the respect he commanded among his peers: “Rest in peace Ken, we will drag your chains from here”.
His memory lives on in the roar of the diesel engines echoing through the Cascade Mountains and in the hearts of his castmates, friends, and loyal fans. Ken will always be remembered as the man with a big heart who was never afraid of the storm.