It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of our loving father and grandfather, Ken Smale, on August 19, 2020 in Edmonton at the age of 76. He will be profoundly missed by his children: Kenny (Sara), Shaun (Kyla), Shannon (Mark) Kelly (Jason) and grandchildren: Seamus, Zita, Bridget, Braith, Tobias, Finnegan, Anson, Spencer, Rowen and Felix, along with brother, Al (Beth), former spouse, Lorene, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Ken was predeceased by his father, Albert, mother, Elsie and brother, Terry.
Ken was born in Turner Valley, AB and raised in Edmonton’s Parkallen neighbourhood before eventually moving to Sherwood Park, AB to start and raise a family. He was a long-standing, respected member of the Boilermakers Local 146, and a staunch believer in organized labour, the rights of workers and marginalized people. Not only was Ken an avid traveller, he also cherished the time he could spend camping and fishing with his beloved family and friends, including the annual Smale Family Reunion. He was a gifted, humble storyteller, who loved laughing over weekly soup noodle lunches with whoever could attend. Ken had a large presence and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.
Regretfully, the family has had to limit the attendees for Ken’s Celebration of Life due to Covid regulations and safety. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Edmonton Food Bank 11508 120 St, Edmonton, AB T5G 2Y2 would be sincerely appreciated.
Joey Smale says
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Ken. Terry and I spent many weekends camping with Ken and family. Some were just Ken ,Terry Al and I. Also soup noodle lunches and road trips. i have many happy memories of spending time with Ken. He will be missed by all, RIP Ken. My condolences to all of the family.
Dale & Diane AuBuchon says
Kenny, Shaun, Shannon & Kelly and families. My heart goes out to you all, as you say a formal goodbye, on Friday, to your Dad. I honestly never thought my dad would die, but he did.
I always enjoyed time with your dad, way back in my youth, but did feel he was a little nervous around me. I knew your mom first !!!
One thing that comes to mind, what an interesting guy your dad was to talk to. Always good conversation.
Dale & I will be thinking of you, Friday. ♥️
Viviana and Mateo Lartiga says
Dear Smale family,
My deepest sympathies for your great loss. I hope your memories of Ken Sr. will ease the great sorrow you feel.
Myrna Field says
So sorry that you have lost your father and grandfather and friend! I met Ken once but did not know him! He is present forever in his children and grandchildren! I hope you cherish the good years you had with him, come together in your grieving and feel surrounded by the love of family and friends!
Pat Schmidt says
I am so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. He was a good and gentle man. It has been about 50 years since I have seen him but I have always remembered him.
For those of you who won’t recognize my name I was on Gillies first wife and Mary Gillies MacPhail’s mom.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Judy and Brian says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Ken will be missed by many. Although we didn’t know him well, he was father and grandfather to part of our family and his legacy will be felt by us all.
Elaine, Sharon, Noreen, Karen and Families says
Kenny, Shaun, Shannon, Kelly, Al and Families
We were very sad to hear of Ken’s passing. Ken always had a strong connection with family at Eckville. We think this started with a summer job and his first pay cheque from Jarvis and Evelyn. When Ken said that he didn’t expect payment for helping, our Dad told him that “when you work like a man, you should be paid like one”. Ken never missed special family events and we always looked forward to seeing Ken at the Smale family reunion. He always looked forward to Mom bringing her cream potatoes to the reunion. He loved a good debate around the campfire which could get heated but usually ending with a good laugh. We are so grateful to have shared time around the fire with him and be able to see the pride and love he had for his family. We will forever remember Ken’s gentle spirt, kind manner, regard for family, readiness to laugh often and smile always. These his legacy and the mark of a life well lived. Our family is one less, Ken will be missed.
Our love and prayers
Elaine, Sharon, Noreen, Karen and Families
Robert Hemsing says
There are some people who pass through your life and leave a life-long, lasting impression. Just the exchanging of a glance between you, before words are even spoken, there is the feeling of deep friendship and mutual admiration. Ken was such a friend to me. I have fond memories of Ken and his very young family when Ruth and I, just a few years behind them in raising our families, would join them for family gatherings or social outings. Endless chess matches and card games, the numerous family Christmas festivities with a decorated tree that would barely fit in theIr house, … and the occasional pop. As I think back, my fond memories of the family are without end. And Ken was indeed the gentle family patriarch. He was a man in tune with nature, who lived simply, with a real gentleness. This obituary picture tells the story.
RIP, Ken. I dearly wish we could have met up in these last years; one should never neglect their friends. On behalf of Ruth and myself, may GOD BLESS YOU, Ken, and protect you till we meet again. – Robert Hemsing
Stuart McGrandle says
To the Smale family my deepest sympathy
Ken was a good man and real gentleman in this business of Boilermakers
We need more like him R.I.P.
Ron Diakur says
Our condolences go out to Ken’s family n friend’s. Rest In Peace brother!
Bernard Arsenault says
Deepest condolences to the Smale family. I’ve always had an ear open when Ken spoke on the job he was a well informed when contractors would challenge our agreements.
Branden Nelles says
Uncle Ken will be dearly missed. My sincerest condolences to the entire Smale family
Tim Betuzzi says
My Condolences to the family.
I had the privilege of working with Ken many times. He was a great role model, and mentor. He believed in a fair days work for a fair days pay. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten
Annalea Edwards Armstrong says
Al I am so sorry to hear about Ken. Our Turner Valley and Parkallan days were full of fun and lots of laughter.
Annalea