McDonald: Kenneth Carlyle, January 6, 1930 – April 20, 2018

Ken was born January 6, 1930 in Empress and died peacefully April 20, 2018 in Oyen.

Ken spent his whole life living on the family farm which has been in the family for three generations. He semi-retired three years ago but he was not able to fully retire because he still had horses and some cows on the farm to check on. This was his way of staying active and having his input about the happenings on the farm.

Ken attended the Cappon School until he reached grade 6. That’s when his dad found out he was skipping school more than he was going to school. This is when his real passion for farming grew, along with his love for his cows, horses, old machinery, antique cars and trucks.

October 9, 1965 he married the love of his life Carroll Rugsven and they were blessed with three children.

Ken was a loving and caring father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed telling old stories about growing up and the history of how each tractor, car or truck ran. He shared his knowledge about the history of the communities and the families who lived in the area. He enjoyed going to his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s school activities, hockey games, dance, soccer games, 4-H Achievement Days, and rodeos. He developed a liking for travel in his later years. Cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, Canada, and New England were some of the places he enjoyed traveling to. He went on road trips around eastern Canada to Arizona and Montana on the July long weekend. In 2014 he traveled to Mexico for his grandson Bowen’s wedding. He enjoyed helping the neighbors out at their brandings. He also loved to participate in gymkhanas and trail rides. One trail ride in particular happened in 1974. The trail ride started at Wilf and Faye Ball’s and then continued down to the Bindloss bridge. From there on they travelled through the Suffield Base and into Medicine Hat for the Stampede parade. He enjoyed the Cappon sports days working the gate with Evhyn Kulyk and the Cappon 100 years Celebration with the antique cars.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years Carroll; daughters Carla (Allan) and Connie (Simon); son Randy (Faye); eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother Hughy McDonald; sister Shirley Fee; sister-in-law Rose McDonald; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents Bill and Jean McDonald; parents-in-law Albert and June Rugsven; brothers Stuart and Jackson; and sisters Margy Klevyer and Joyce Hoffman.

Funeral service was held April 25 at the Oyen United Church in Oyen. Officiating clergy were Rev. Helen Reed and Bonnie Burke. Helen Reed was the musician and special music was provided by Coral Yake, Jordan Yake, and Clinton Yake. A tribute was given by Ken’s grandchildren. Pallbearers were Bowen McDonald-Lee, Rocky Robinson, Drew O’Neill, Wes Tilbert, John Murray, Lloyd Fraser, and Colton Robinson. Honorary Pallbearers were all of Ken’s family, the Cappon Community, and his many friends who cared and shared in his life.

Following the funeral service, family and friends were invited to a luncheon hosted by Lee’s Catering in the church basement.

MacLean’s Funeral Home of Oyen in care of arrangements.