Obituary of Raymond Nigel Ken KENNEDY

September 28, 1928 – Galashiels, Scotland August 23, 2016 – Calgary, Alberta It is with sadness we announce the passing of Raymond “Nigel” “Ken” Kennedy on Tuesday, August 23rd at the age of 87. Nigel passed away peacefully, with his loving family by his side, at Southwood Care. He is survived by his loving wife Mary-Anne, devoted daughter Lesley and her husband Michael, along with his two wonderful grandsons Christopher and Kennedy of Calgary, as well as extended family in Scotland and California. Nigel was predeceased by two brothers, Leslie and Robert as well as his parents. Raymond Nigel Kennedy was born on September 28, 1928 to Arthur Leslie and Margaret in Galashiels, Scotland and attended the University of Dundee, where he received his degree in Economics. In 1953, Nigel came to North America aboard the Queen Mary. After a brief time in California, he moved to Vancouver where he worked for Ornamental Bronze Ltd. After many mispronunciations of “Nigel”, he decided to change his business name to the more “Canadian” name, “Ken”. In the late 1950’s he was relocated to Calgary to open the Calgary office of Ornamental Bronze, of which a lasting legacy stands the 4 bronze doors of the courthouse and many bronze plaques among the historical sites of Alberta. He then started Steeplejack Services, a scaffolding and swing stage company, followed by advancing Griffin Glass into the glass and glazing industry in 1972. Nigel, his partners and all the employees in Griffin Glass built a successful commercial glass business and Calgary’s skyline is marked with Griffin’s ongoing contributions still today. From 1982 to 1993, he served as a director of the Calgary Construction Association, chairing the Education and Career Development Committee. Nigel was passionate about recruiting and advancing the opportunities for young people, men and women alike, in construction. In recognition of his commitment and dedication to Education, he was named a CCA Champion of Education, and every year, in perpetuity, a scholarship is awarded in his name. Instrumental in the formation, promotion and operation of the Calgary Glass and Architectural Metals Association (GAMA), he served as President in 1984, and was on the executive and other committees for many years after. Besides his business accomplishments, Nigel’s greatest achievement and love was his family. He married the love of his life, Mary-Anne Walchuk in 1970. They had one daughter, Lesley, and were a loving and close family, often travelling to Scotland and Europe together. Nigel was a devoted and loving husband and kind and wonderful father. Patient, calm, humorous, eccentric, gregarious, and always a “teacher”, he shared his enjoyment of golf, gardening, his beloved greenhouse, and his thirst for knowledge and continual learning with his wife and daughter. He combined his passion for gardening with his passion for golf when he served on the grounds committee at his dear Earl Grey Golf Club. He was also a director of EGGC from 1992 to 1994 where he continued to promote the plantings of many trees, gardens and flowerbeds. Nigel “Ken” will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by his family, many personal friends, and business associates. You were a son, a brother, a husband, a Dad, a grandfather, a friend, an employer, a partner, a mentor and a person to exemplify. You lived a life and left a legacy for all of us to strive towards. I couldn’t have asked for a better father. Thank you. Memorial Services will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (703 Heritage Drive S.W.) on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. A special thank you to Dr. Lori Anne Walls and the wonderful staff at Southwood Care Centre and Sarcee Carewest for their compassionate care. In living memory of Nigel Kennedy, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.