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Obituaries

Kenneth "Ken" Edward Edey

January 21, 1950 - March 19, 2022

Text:

Obituary For Kenneth "Ken" Edward Edey

Kenneth Edward Edey, resident of Spirit River, AB, passed away quietly on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at the age of 72 years. He spent the week before playfully teasing whoever was nearby, visiting his remaining horses, and yes, even sharing a few farm-life stories with Fraser (Ashley), Heather, and Jo Ann. It was a good farewell.

When visiting my parents earlier this year, after more than a few pestering questions and requests to talk, my dad, Ken Edey, finally responded, with a twinkle in his eye and an evasive “well, I’m a man of few words”.

When Ken did speak, he did so simply and clearly, authentically, and often with a shade of cheekiness.

My Mom had more success later, when she asked him what he might want mentioned in his obituary: “I loved my family. I loved my farm-life. I loved my horses”. So, I will oblige. Family: Dad, Kenneth Edward Edey, was born on January 21, 1950, in Spirit River, to parents Ted and Adaline Edey. He met his best friend, Jo Ann, when he was 15 and married her when he was 20. Ken and Jo Ann Edey celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on August 22, 2021. Mom will miss him dearly.

Ken left behind his son Fraser; and daughter Heather; grandkids: Sarah, Hannah, and Isla; sisters Ethel Edey and Karen (Ernest) Lizotte; sisters and brother in law: Gloria (Ed) Matiaszow, Alan (Sandy) Sandul, and Georgina (George) Albert; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. I am sure we will all treasure memories of his mischievous smile and images of him behind a team of horses. We will miss his presence.

Farm-life: When Ken was a boy, he spent countless hours following his father and his grandfather around their respective farms. After high school, he left the farm to attend NAIT. As a registered Alberta Land Surveyor, his work took him and his family to Calgary, AB, Edmonton, AB, then Edson, AB. But he was called back to farm-life in Spirit River. He worked hard and took pride in his accomplishments. Ken began with grain-farming, moved to raising cattle, and eventually re-committed to his first love: horses.

Horses: Dad took countless people on peaceful sleigh or wagon rides and spent many weekends attending horse-pulling events. Horses were a good fit for a man of few words: it only took a “gee, haw, whoa, back, and here”, to share his love of horses with those around him.

We are so thankful for the compassion and care Dad received over the past year as he faced the challenges of his failing health.

Due to the recent rise in Covid cases and the concern of spreading Covid, the family has decided to have a private family Celebration of Life for Ken, on Sunday, May 1, 2022. The family would like to thank you for your understanding.

If so desired, Memorial Donations may be made to North Zone Palliative Care Team (cheques made out to Alberta Health Services, ℅ Doris Wylie, Box 990, Onoway, AB, T0E 1V0), or to charity of one’s choice.

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Condolences

  • April 03, 2022

    Jill (Hudson) Thomson

    So very sad to learn of Ken's passing. JoAnn, you and Ken are fixtures in the best of my memories of Spirit River. I say fixtures in the most complementary way...ones you don't want to replace. My clearest vision of you both is on the dance floor and the memory makes me smile. You were good together. Ken is too young to be gone and you're too young to be without him. So very sad for you and your family. I have faith that Ken is at peace and hoping you will find peace in the days ahead

  • March 28, 2022

    Danny Dorscheid

    Sorry to hear of Ken's passing. Our thoughts are with you all at this time. We always enjoyed talking with Ken, we had great visits. Danny & Janice Dorscheid

  • March 26, 2022

    John & Lenore Hemmingway

    Joanne, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family . Ken was such a wonderful person and always looked forward to seeing him at the Rycroft races with his horses. There were so many rides that Ken shared , probably too numerous to count, but you could just see how proud he was to do this. Ken will be missed , of course by his family, but he will leave a big hole in the community. RIP in your forever Home Ken.

  • March 26, 2022

    Anthony van Rootselaar

    My condolences to the family on Ken's passing. My memories of Ken are of a kind hearted man with a warm smile and witt. Growing up and farming across the fence line Ken was always ready with a wave or a "how's my neighbor?" Rest in peace Ken and may everyone find comfort in enduring memories.

  • March 25, 2022

    Larry Potter

    To jo-Anne and family- I'm truly sorry to hear about ken - he was quiet and unassuming & a gentleman! I lost my beautiful Cheryl -last Apr 28 th - so I KNOW your sorrow! The thing that I ALWAYS remember about people is their smile - yes you are right he always seemed to have a catty grin ! I hope you are all doing ok - you have family- and that is truly a blessing ! All of my best. Larry Potter

  • March 25, 2022

    Jim & Marion Sodergren

    So sorry to hear of Ken's passing. Jo Ann & family there are no words to cover your loss. Big hugs

  • March 25, 2022

    Deborah Michaels- LeBlanc

    We met Ken when he took the faculty of the school on a sleigh ride. It was the first for us being new to the area and we really loved it. We have since moved back home but it still comes up in my memories and brings a smile to my face every time .

  • March 25, 2022

    Eric Verstappen

    I have only know him very short, but found a great connection. I enjoyed the few talks we had and would have loved to share more horse events with him. I am sure his family and friends will think fondly of him like I do.

  • March 25, 2022

    Lloyd Ireland

    Jo Ann sorry to hear of Kens passing had many chats with him when Fraser was playing in G P and seen him on occasion after hockey hold your memories close

  • March 25, 2022

    Lloyd Ireland

    Jo Ann and families so sorry to here about Kens passing I really enjoyed our chats around the rink when Fraser was playing in G P hold your memories close

  • March 25, 2022

    Lloyd Keddie

    Sorry to hear of Ken's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Always enjoyed working with Ken on the farm, both with his cattle and his horses.

  • March 25, 2022

    Bob and Barb Deley

    Our sincere condolences to your family. We remember many fun times when the boys were in hockey together. We hope your lifetime of memories with Ken will provide you solace

  • March 25, 2022

    Crystal kosowan

    So sorry to hear of Mr.Edeys passing. Loved his coffee shop stories and rides on the horse drawn wagons with him. The day we pulled up to the restaurant to pick up Judy at the Christmas tree light up was the best ❤️

We are experiencing some technical difficulties with our Obituaries.  We are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.  Our apologies for any inconvenience.

 

To view the livestream of Sandra Van Schaick (Saturday at 11:00 am) or Glenn Kochendorfer (Monday at 2:00 pm) visit https://www.facebook.com/olivers.funeral.home/

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