Obituary of Kenneth Charles Samuelson

March 17, 1936 – Calgary, Alberta

November 10, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Ken Samuelson was born in Calgary, Alberta, March 17, 1936, and passed away in Calgary on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, after a lengthy hard fought battle with Multiple System Atrophy.

Ken grew up in Calgary, graduating from Crescent Heights High School and is a graduate of the Four-Year Advanced Diploma at the Alberta College of Art & Design (now called University of the Arts).  He also studied printmaking in a summer workshop under Andrew Stasik of the Pratt Graphic Center, New York.  He was co-owner of K-B Graphic Design Limited from 1958 to 1968, specializing in graphic design, architectural rendering and illustration.  In 1968, he became a permanent faculty member of the Alberta College of Art & Design, teaching drawing, design, rendering, letterform and watercolour in the Visual Communications Department and also Evening Class Drawing and Figure Programs.  He retired in 1996 and was awarded Lecturer Emeritus in 1997.

Throughout his career he received numerous awards and commissions and has been published in International Artist magazine for his landscape painting of Abbot Hut.  He was awarded the Alberta College of Art & Design Founders Award of Excellence in 2002 and was granted Life Membership with Alberta Society of Artists.  His work has been included in collections throughout Canada, London England and the United States.  Ken always represented his love of the prairies, foothills and mountains of Alberta and the coastal landscape of British Columbia in his paintings.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-two years, MJ (Margaret Jean), his two children Don (Debbie), Lyndsay (Matt) and grandchildren, Britny, Kiefer, Jesse, Kai and Nathan.  He was predeceased by his parents Leonard and Ruth Samuelson, and brother Ron.

Ken loved to travel with trips every year to BC with the family and several trips to Hawaii where he and MJ entered the 13k Great Aloha Run during Spring Break and several cruises in the later years.  He loved his Stampeders football team and wore his Stampeder cap every day during his stay at Brentwood Intercare. 

The legacy of his warmth, spirit, and positive influence on those lives he touched, will be carried on through those who knew him.  Past students and colleagues will remember his guidance, passion, and dedication.

Ken was a loving husband and father and will be sadly missed.  Our thanks to the staff at Brentwood Intercare for their wonderful care.  In keeping with Ken’s wishes, in lieu of funeral services, donations can be made to CPAWS (The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society).

In living memory of Kenneth Samuelson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.