Obituary of Kenneth Michael KING

January 26, 1952 – Davidson, Saskatchewan
March 11, 2020 – Foothills, Alberta

Surrounded by family, whom he adored, Ken King passed away peacefully, on March 11, 2020 at 68 years old. His loving wife and best friend of forty-seven years, Marilyn (nee Turner) was by his side.

Above all else, Ken’s greatest source of happiness was his close-knit family that he and Marilyn built together. Ken’s most special times were spent at the farm and on family vacations, with Marilyn, Amanda, Gabriel and Levi, Jocelin, Kevin, Jayson and Kacey. Ken was passionate about golfing, riding his horses at his farm, and spending time with his grandkids and his brothers and sisters.

Ken was born in Davidson, Saskatchewan, on January 26, 1952. Ken spent his formative years with his siblings, Anne, Leona, Patricia, Ray, Ron and Rick and his parents, Joe and Rose in Hanley; a farming community south of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Ken started his career in the newspaper business working his way from advertising sales to senior executive positions, committing thirty years to the print industry. Ken was the publisher of the Calgary Sun (1988-1996) and the Calgary Herald (1996-1999). He also held positions with Pacific Press in Vancouver, the Edmonton Sun, the Toronto Sun, and the United Press Canada. In 2001, Ken became the President and CEO of the Calgary Flames, reigniting the sports scene in Calgary. As Vice Chairman, the Ownership group trusted him to lead the company into the thriving Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) that it is today. CSEC encompasses the Calgary Flames (NHL), the Stockton Heat (AHL), Calgary Stampeders (CFL), Calgary Hitmen (WHL), and Calgary Roughnecks (NLL).

In recent years, Ken pushed hard for a new event centre that he believed would bring tremendous value to generations of Calgarians and huge economic benefits to the business community. The dream came true last summer when Calgary City Council and Flames owners reached a deal on a new arena and events complex.

Ken held a myriad of board positions with organizations including, the Calgary Flames Foundation, TELUS Community Board, the Calgary Sport Tourism Authority, Director of the Calgary Airport Authority, Rotary Club member and a former Chairman of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

Ken also received the Alberta Centennial Medal for outstanding contributions to the Province of Alberta, and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for Community Service. Ken was given an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Calgary in 2012 and an honorary degree from Mount Royal University in 2014.

Ken is survived by his wife Marilyn, his two daughters and son-in-law, Amanda King, Jocelin and Kevin Oliver, grandsons, Gabriel, Levi, Jayson; and granddaughter Kacey. Ken is also survived by his three brothers, Ray (Francine), Ron (Katherine), and Rick (Barbara) and two sisters, Anne Campbell and Leona King; as well as many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. Ken was predeceased by his father Joseph, mother Rose, and sister Patricia.

Ken would wish to be remembered for his warmth, compassion, integrity, charity and humility above his larger than life role as the public face of the NHL Calgary Flames or his life accomplishments and ventures as a successful Alberta business leader, and compassionate community builder.

In his memory, Ken encourages everyone to continue a special relationship with him and his family through acts of spirituality, grace, kindness and generosity or to match his tireless volunteerism and commitment to the community.

A public memorial will be organized at a later date, details to be announced. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Ken’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Flames Foundation at https://calgaryflamesfoundation.com/.

The family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to Dr. Susan Lea-Makenny, Dr. Desiree Hao, Audra Arlain, Shelley McLellan and the many health care professionals at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre.

In living memory of Kenneth King, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.