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.
A Celebration of Ken’s Life will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2022, at 2:00 pm, at the Spirit of Peace United Church in Spirit River. Interment to follow at the Spirit River Cemetery.
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.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Kenneth Ken Edward Edey January 21 1950 March 19 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Grande-Prairie, Province: Alberta
Our sincere condolences and prayers for strength and comfort to JoAnne, children, family, and friends at the passing of Ken our wonderful friend and mentor.
Ken indeed was a man of a few words, but his Witt and friendship was unmatchable, always a joy to be around.
We will certainly miss him in our horse club activities and his involvement in community events. Our wonderful memories will carry on forever.🙏💙