Kenneth Wayne Kavanaugh
February 12, 1942 - March 22, 2022
The family of Ken Kavanaugh is deeply saddened to announce his passing on March 22, 2022 in the Agape Hospice. Ken was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Ken was born February 12, 1942 in Edmonton and was raised on a farm in Innisfree, Alberta. After graduating high school, Ken worked in a meat packing plant and later on a commercial fishing boat. During one of his trips out of the north, Ken was in Calgary where someone suggested he join the Calgary Police Service. Ken decided that did not sound so bad, wrote the exam, and the rest is history.
Ken joined the Calgary Police Service February 4, 1963 and rose through the ranks until retiring as Superintendent of Operations on April 27, 1996. During his policing career, Ken took great pride in giving back to the community and was involved with Woods Homes and the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter serving on the board of directors for both. Ken was also a long time member of the Calgary Stampede Parade Committee and served as President of the North Hill Curling Club.
In 1965, Ken met the love of his life, Grace. They were married after a short courtship and celebrated 56 years of marriage last July. They had 2 children, Kelly and Cory, and 4 dearly loved grandchildren. The family spent many years camping and boating. Summers were spent on Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho where Ken was always the boat driver, spending hours pulling the kids and grandkids behind the boat. Ken and Grace spent time during the winter in Yuma, Arizona making many good friends. They played many games of cards, golfed, and were able to take several cruises. Ken was an avid curler who loved any sport his children or grandchildren played. Ken could always be found in the stands of a hockey rink or on the sidelines of a soccer field in his shorts cheering on the kids.
Besides his loving wife, Ken is survived by his two children Kelly (David) and Cory (Eva) and his grandchildren Brendan, Justin, Kennedy, Ashley, and Sebastian. He is also lovingly remembered by his sisters Karen and Chaddy (George), brother Doug (Mollyo), sister-in-laws Gail and Wendy, and many nieces and nephews. Ken will be fondly remembered by many good friends who knew him as a gentle giant and someone who gave the best bear hugs.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken’s memory to Agape Hospice at 1302 8th Ave NW Calgary, Alberta T2N 1B8 or online at canadahelps.org.
A celebration of Ken’s life will be held on
Saturday April 9, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at the Cuff and Billy Social Club located at #100, 3730 Westwinds Drive NE Calgary where we will raise a glass and share some stories.
As requested by Ken, please show up in shorts and share one final drink with him.
Contact Information
Mike Turcotte
turc11@telus.net