Peacefully and surrounded by his family, Ken passed away on June 9th, 2022, at the age of 60.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Kim of 32 years; children, Tyler, and Emily; siblings: John (Phyllis), Lucy (Bill), Adrienne (Greg), Christine, Tom; and sister-in-law, Pam Heykants. He will be missed by his father-in-law, Benny Stein; mother-in-law, Annette Stein; brother-in-law, Mike (Holly); mother-in-law, Pam Badger; and many nieces and nephews.
Ken was predeceased by his parents, John and Leny; older brother, Len; and father-in-law, Terry Badger.
Ken grew up in the northside of Edmonton in the Londonderry area, he attended Elementary School at Father Leo Green, Junior High School at J.J. Bowlen, and High School at Archbishop O’Leary. Much of his childhood was spent in a small home with 6 other siblings, and – as you could imagine – there was never a dull moment. Memories of being a boy scout, an altar boy, playing hockey at the local outdoor rink, snowball fights, riding around on his ten-speed year-round, playing high school football, and organized hockey, and of course the odd scuffle and argument with brothers and sisters are just some of the days in the life of Ken.
He worked many jobs in his lifetime, ranging from brick laying, to tile setting, to being a teacher’s aide with mother-in-law, Annette, helping with the mentally challenged, all the way to tire distribution where he started and finished a very successful career. “Kenny”, as many tire colleagues knew him, built a lasting legacy in the tire industry, forging many friendships and bonds that will hold for a lifetime.
Outside of work, Ken was heavily involved with his kid’s sporting activities involving soccer, roller hockey, and ice hockey. He often volunteered to help coach with his son Tyler’s roller hockey and ice hockey teams.
Ken was a diehard fan of hockey and football, cheering hard for the Edmonton Oilers, Edmonton Elks (Eskimos), and Las Vegas Raiders.
A love of racing and cars was another facet to Ken’s life, from watching Formula 1 and other racing to actually going to drag races in California. And not to forget the Green Torino which was gifted to Kim and himself by Kim’s grandfather known as “Rolo”. This was his pride and joy. Many who know and have seen it, understand his love for that car.
Ken’s family and close friends knew him for his artistic side, his collectibles, and his MacGyver-like ability to build anything from something. The paintings, drawings, memorabilia, and projects he built will be a lasting memory of him for years to come.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 13 Brower Drive, Sherwood Park, AB. Mass will be live-streamed.
Memorial Donations may be made in Ken Heykants’ name to The Heart and Stroke Foundation, 5241 Calgary Trail NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 5G8.
Special thanks to all the doctors and staff at the University of Alberta Emergency and Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute for doing everything they could to help Ken in his time of need. Thanks to the Edmonton Fire Rescue and Paramedics of the EMS for such a quick response and taking great care of Ken.
As Ken would say “Keep your stick on the ice!”
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Kenneth Paul Heykants 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta