Obituary of Ken HEDLIN

March 13, 1950 - September 25, 2020

"The good and the wise lead quiet lives."

On September 25, we lost a good and wise man when Ken Hedlin, beloved husband, dad, son-and brother-in-law, cousin, friend, and colleague was tragically taken from us, far too soon and far too suddenly.

A kind, gentle man with a sharp mathematical mind and a quiet wit, Ken personified the characteristics of honesty, integrity, practical logic, and quiet determination. To his wife, Karen Hall, he was her anchor, her trusted other half: a calm, honourable and stabilizing presence. To Leslie and Robert, he was dad, taking pride in their achievements and helping them through adversity.

Ken grew up in “L.A.” (Lacombe, Alberta), with his younger brother Russ. His father, Dave, taught high school physics, and his mother, Doraine, directed the choir. After completing B.Sc. degrees in geophysics and computer science, Ken joined Gulf Canada in 1974, forming strong friendships that would last for the rest of his life. In 1982, he joined Husky Energy where he met Karen, completed an M.Sc. in geophysics, and became a well-respected AVO authority, before retiring as a Geophysical Specialist in 2019.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle was built into Ken's DNA. He relished his intense daily workouts and the mental challenges of his latest online course — the more equations to solve the better.

Ken was passionate about many things: he was known for his love of dark-roast coffee, IPA beer, Leslie's homemade saskatoon pie, and his evening bowl of popcorn. Two of his favourite things were spending time with family and friends and hiking somewhere around the world with Karen. He will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at the Foothills Hospital, especially Janice, Janine, and Shannon in ICU Unit C, and Dr. Kelly and his surgical team.

Family and friends will gather to remember Ken at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. Dressy-casual attire is suitable. The commemoration will also be live-streamed. Those who wish to view the service via Live Stream may do so on this page on the day of the service. Reception will follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Ken's obituary at McInnisandHolloway.com. Visit the website for COVID guidelines, instructions for attending the online event and to access the recorded version at a later date. Service recording will be able to be viewed at https://vimeo.com/event/332199. Should friends desire, contributions may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, in memory of Ken.

For those joining online please click here to sign the virtual Memorial Book