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Obituary For Kenneth Stephen O’Shea
December 26, 1945 – October 20, 2023
Kenneth Stephen O’Shea, 77 years of age, of Grande Prairie, Alberta, passed away on October 20th, 2023 after a 2 year battle with bladder cancer.
Ken was born on December 26, 1945, to Thomas & Bridget Shea in Ingonish Beach – Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. At 16 years of age Ken headed west at the urging of his sister, that would be the beginning of his adventurous life and many accomplishments.
In 1963 Ken O’Shea moved from the east coast Ingonish Beach – Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia a 16-year-old man eager to find work out west. Ken’s destination was Grande Prairie, Alberta. Upon his arrival Ken worked in construction, the oil field and went on to get his motor mechanic diploma and from those meager beginnings his love of Grande Prairie was forged.
In 1964, Ken met Betty Jean Lilge, they dated for 3 years and after getting married moved to Whitehorse, Yukon for the adventure of a lifetime. For 4 years they worked, had fun and met many lifetime friends. They had three (3) children, Taryl, Kolleen, and Kelly. Ken loved his family and loved when they were all together during the holidays.
Ken excelled at everything he did and was always up to learn more, he spent almost 20 years in the automotive industry initially opening Shea Auto Electric with his brother Reed Shea and later branched off on his own to open a Subaru and Volvo dealership. Next was an 18-year career in the hardware business, Ken owned and ran Lilge Hardware/Home Hardware where he was a perfect fit with his know-how and could fix anything attitude. The next 20 years Ken’s career was as a financial advisor with Investors Group (IG). Of all of his career successes he was most proud of his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Elder Planning Councilor (EPC) certifications. For 20 years he loved counseling his friends to help them plan for their successful future.
In 2019, Ken retired and spent his time with family and friends, serving his community, traveling, spending time on the ranch in Phoenix, golfing, camping, boating and quadding with his son. Ken was a true friend to many; he had his weekly lunches and brunches with his boys and understood the immeasurable value of true friendships and valued the power of genuine connections and the beauty of a loyal friend.
Ken was predeceased by his parents and siblings: Thomas & Bridget Shea, Catherine McKenzie, Autin Shea, Ted Shea, Shadow (Francis) O’Shea, Cyrleen Doucette, Joan McNeil, Eileen Connors, Beverly O’Shea, Desi Shea, Clifford Shea, Reed Shea, and Butch (Micheal) Shea. His extended family Wilf & Toodles (Francis) Lilge, Bob Lilge and Bill Lilge.
He is survived by his wife BJ O’Shea, his children Taryl (Greg Pishko), Kolleen and Kelly O’Shea, his siblings Sheila Cameron, Jackie Doucette and Bunny (Lorraine) Doucette, his extended family Joan Lilge, Ellen Smith and his many treasured nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Cancer Clinic for their wonderful treatment and care of Ken. Dr. J. Hattingh, Dr. North, Amber, Emily, Shawna and all of his special nurses who cared for him throughout his treatment.
Services will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 11:00 am with lunch in Tranquil Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Salvation Army Food Bank, 9615 102 Street Grande Prairie AB T8V 2T8, an organization Ken felt strongly about.
Ken will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love for others, hard work, and kindness will continue to inspire us all.
Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780 830 7742 bcfh.ca
Live Stream
Services
2
Nov
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church 10404 102 St Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2W3
26/12/1945 20/10/2023
Death notice for the town of: Grande-Prairie, Province: Alberta
death notice Kenneth Stephen O’Shea 26/12/1945 20/10/2023
obituaries notice Kenneth Stephen O’Shea 26/12/1945 20/10/2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Kenneth Stephen O’Shea 26/12/1945 20/10/2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
