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Obituary of Kenneth (Ken) Munro STEPHENSON
October 10, 1933 – Arcola, Saskatchewan
June 1, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ken Stephenson. Ken passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family after a gallant fight with cancer on Tuesday, June 1, 2021.
Ken is survived by his brother, Keith Stephenson Sr (Lynda), his children, Wendy Paul (Russ), Keith Stephenson (Susan Brown), Liana Parakin (Gary Soroka), Teresa Cummins (Ron); 18 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Ken graduated with a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Saskatchewan, starting his vast career with the Department of Highways, he then began working with the McCaig family in the concrete business. Ken enjoyed a diverse career founding over 35 companies involving the oil and gas industry, healthcare, real estate development, farming, mining, pipeline construction and rail. At the age of 87, Ken actively held the following roles: Chata Technologies Inc.; Chairman, Circle Cardiovascular Imaging Inc.; Cofounder and Chairman, Kenaco Capital Services Inc.; President, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta; Director, MacroMind, Media Inc.; Director and Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre; Cofounder and Chairman. Ken received many honours in his life, including Top 7 over 70 in Calgary, inducted into Alberta Business Hall of Fame and most recently an Honorary Law Doctorate from the University of Calgary. He was also a proud member of the Mayflower Society, Ken’s ancestral grandfather, Edward Doty arrived on the Mayflower at Plymouth in 1620.
Ken stated, “We shouldn’t measure people by their age, we should measure people by how much vitality they have. I’ve always had lots of vitality and energy.” This rang true until the very end. Even in his final weeks, Ken continued to work on the Calgary Green line project seeking the best solution for Calgary taxpayers, and mentored and provided advice to young entrepreneurs, his peers and family. Amongst his amazing achievements, his favorite role was Grandpa and Papa. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. From painting his great-granddaughters’ toenails to carving pumpkins every Halloween, vacations to Maui and dinner dates, he truly was the best Grandpa ever. The lessons he taught and instilled, his strong values and his love for Saskatchewan, his legacy will live on for always through his family, friends, community and the businesses he touched. Ken was a great man with integrity, a brilliant mind and a huge heart and he will be so very missed.
The family would like to thank his medical staff for their care and compassion and his dear friends who provided comfort and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to support the Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre. Online contributions can be made here, https://engage.ucalgary.ca/kenstephenson If you wish to mail in a cheque, please make it payable to: University of Calgary with “Kenneth Stephenson Tribute” in the memo and send to: University of Calgary OVC 131 2500 University Dr NW Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Attn: Myrna Linder.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Ken’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.
In living memory of Kenneth Stephenson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
