Obituaries

Kenneth Stephen O'Shea

26/12/1945 - 20/10/2023

Obituary For Kenneth Stephen O'Shea

December 26, 1945 – October 20, 2023

Kenneth Stephen O’Shea, 77 years of age, of Grande Prairie, Alberta, passed away on October 20th, 2023 after a 2 year battle with bladder cancer.

Ken was born on December 26, 1945, to Thomas & Bridget Shea in Ingonish Beach - Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. At 16 years of age Ken headed west at the urging of his sister, that would be the beginning of his adventurous life and many accomplishments.

In 1963 Ken O'Shea moved from the east coast Ingonish Beach - Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia a 16-year-old man eager to find work out west. Ken's destination was Grande Prairie, Alberta. Upon his arrival Ken worked in construction, the oil field and went on to get his motor mechanic diploma and from those meager beginnings his love of Grande Prairie was forged.

In 1964, Ken met Betty Jean Lilge, they dated for 3 years and after getting married moved to Whitehorse, Yukon for the adventure of a lifetime. For 4 years they worked, had fun and met many lifetime friends. They had three (3) children, Taryl, Kolleen, and Kelly. Ken loved his family and loved when they were all together during the holidays.

Ken excelled at everything he did and was always up to learn more, he spent almost 20 years in the automotive industry initially opening Shea Auto Electric with his brother Reed Shea and later branched off on his own to open a Subaru and Volvo dealership. Next was an 18-year career in the hardware business, Ken owned and ran Lilge Hardware/Home Hardware where he was a perfect fit with his know-how and could fix anything attitude. The next 20 years Ken’s career was as a financial advisor with Investors Group (IG). Of all of his career successes he was most proud of his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Elder Planning Councilor (EPC) certifications. For 20 years he loved counseling his friends to help them plan for their successful future.

In 2019, Ken retired and spent his time with family and friends, serving his community, traveling, spending time on the ranch in Phoenix, golfing, camping, boating and quadding with his son. Ken was a true friend to many; he had his weekly lunches and brunches with his boys and understood the immeasurable value of true friendships and valued the power of genuine connections and the beauty of a loyal friend.

Ken was predeceased by his parents and siblings: Thomas & Bridget Shea, Catherine McKenzie, Autin Shea, Ted Shea, Shadow (Francis) O’Shea, Cerleen Donovan, Coralee Doucette, Joan McNeil, Eileen Connors, Beverly O’Shea, Desi Shea, Clifford Shea, Reed Shea, and Butch (Micheal) Shea. His extended family Wilf & Toodles (Francis) Lilge, Bob Lilge and Bill Lilge.

He is survived by his wife BJ O’Shea, his children Taryl (Greg Pishko), Kolleen and Kelly O’Shea, his siblings Sheila Cameron, Jackie Doucette and Bunny (Lorraine) Doucette, his extended family Joan Lilge, Ellen Smith and his many treasured nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Cancer Clinic for their wonderful treatment and care of Ken. Dr. J. Hattingh, Dr. North, Amber, Emily, Shawna and all of his special nurses who cared for him throughout his treatment.

Services will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 11:00 am with lunch in Tranquil Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Salvation Army Food Bank, 9615 102 Street Grande Prairie AB T8V 2T8, an organization Ken felt strongly about.

Ken will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love for others, hard work, and kindness will continue to inspire us all.

Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780 830 7742 bcfh.ca

Live Stream

Services

2 Nov

Funeral Service

11:00 AM

St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church 10404 102 St Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2W3 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

11/08/2023

Marge Kroeskamp

I wish I could think of some profound words to express the loss I'm sure you are feeling. I can only say I'm sorry for your loss. Always , Marge Kroeskamp .
11/04/2023

Susan Shea

Always loved visiting with Ken. One of the most compassionate and interesting man I have known. Loved his family very much. Love you all Susan Shea.
11/02/2023

Jane Schotz

I loved Ken. He was kind, funny and made you feel special. I will miss his bigs hugs and then smelling like his cologne for days. My condolences to BJ and family. Ken will be greatly missed. Love Jane
11/02/2023

dennis shea

Dear BJ,Taryl,Kolleen andKelly. So sad to hear of Uncle Kenny's passing. I have many treasured memories of conversations and laughter at the Shea reunions and will never forget loving character.. Dennis and Ruth Shea
11/02/2023

Kay Golden

BJ & family; We were so very sorry to hear of the loss of Ken. Such a nice man! You are all in our thoughts & prayers. I am away from the city so unfortunately can not attend his service. Take care! - Kay & Morris Golden
11/01/2023

Janet Shofner

BJ Taryl, Kolleen and Kelly I'm so very sorry for your loss. Ken will be missed by all those that knew him, my Heartfelt Condolences to you all,Hugs to all.Love Janet Shofner
10/30/2023

Roy and Jane Ripkens

Jane and I send our deepest condolences to Ken's family and friends. A great neighbor that always lent a hand to us and the entire community! Rest in peace. Roy and Jane Ripkens
10/28/2023

Tanya R

So very sad to hear this news. We worked briefly together at IG many moons ago. Over the years of seeing him he always greeted me with a hug and sage advice. I respected him dearly. You will be missed Ken. My condolences to BJ, Kolleen, Kelly and Taryl. I hope you find comfort in your memories. He was a great man.
10/26/2023

Connie Rempel

BJ and family, my heart goes out to you at this turning point in your life! Ken was a true gentleman who showed his faith in the Lord and another gem I will look forward to seeing in heaven!
10/26/2023

Pam Koehn

Sorry to hear of Ken's passing. Thinking of you all. My mom says that he will be remembered as a true gentleman and a friend who she will never forget. - Pam (Rempel) Koehn
10/26/2023

Taylor Cottenie

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. What a beautiful and full life Ken had. Love from Nathan & Taylor Cottenie
10/25/2023

Lia Morley

BJ, Taryl, Kolleen and Kelly, our deepest condolences on the loss of Ken. I have fond memories of your family growing up and appreciated what a great sense of humour your Dad had. You could always see what a great father he was and how much love he had for his family. He will be missed, but please know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Lia Morley.
10/25/2023

Norm van Polen

Our sincerest condolences to Ken's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Norm & Sylvia van Polen
10/25/2023

Judi (and Bruce) Logan

BJ, our heartfelt prayers, condolences and sympathy does out to you and your family at this sad time. BJ, it seems such a short time ago - back in the days when Ken was at the hardware store and it was always the first place I would go if I had any 'carpentry' questions. Nothing seemed too 'silly' or 'weird' a question for me to ask. Hugs to you and your family. Judi and Bruce Logan
10/25/2023

Gil Henley

To family and friends. Heartfelt condolences to you all and thoughts and prayers go out to each of you. Ken will be missed. Met him on the golf course and he soon became our rep at IG. Ken always greeted my wife and I with a big smile and hug. He was a gentle and kind man and friend. He will be missed by all. Gil & Suzanne Henley
10/25/2023

Lorraine Martin

BJ and family Our sympathies to all of you at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family Lorraine Martin Guy and Madelaine
10/25/2023

Cathy Shea

Aunt BJ and family. I am so saddened to hear of Uncle Kenny's passing. I only really got to know you at the last reunion but you both treated me like family. You both hold a special place in my heart. Love Cathy and Lizzie Shea
10/25/2023

Ann Marie Shea

Deepest condolences sent to BJ, Taryl, Kolleen, and Kelly. Such sad news, and a huge loss. Uncle Kenny had such a big heart, matched by his laughter. I loved chatting with him. There was always a giggle, and a lesson or two to learn from him. He will be deeply missed, loved and respected. Sending my live and prayers Ann Marie Shea
10/24/2023

Joe Shea

We send our sincerest condolences to BJ, Taryl, Kolleen and Kelly on the tragic loss of Uncle Kenny. We always looked forward to Uncle Kenny's visits to Cape Breton, especially the family reunions. Uncle Kenny always had a good word to say about everyone and made sure that everyone was having a good time. We will miss the chats with Uncle Kenny where he would readily display his Irish wit and charm. May your treasured memories of Kenny bring you warmth and comfort at this difficult time. Sending you our love and prayers. Karen and Joe Shea
10/24/2023

Scott Hagarty

Ken was an amazing person who was a great supporter of the Grande Prairie Army Cadets. On behalf of the Officers, Cadets and volunteers - we expresses of sympathy. He will be missed.
10/24/2023

John Guvens

My wife and I met Ken and BJ in Scottsdale through his daughter, Taryl. We had many joyous times together at horse shows, dinners, ballgames and John and Ken were good golfing buddies during winter trips to Arizona. Ken was a man who earned the friendship and respect of everyone who knew him. During his time of treatment we maintained weekly phone calls. As his body grew weaker his spiritual strength caused us to learn from and deeply admire his resolve to accept what he had no control over. We have no doubt his spirit rests with our Lord and his watchful vigilance will always be with his family. My wife and I can only hope when our time comes to be with the Lord we can accept our earthly demise the way our friend, our hero, Ken O'Shea did. May the Lord bless and watch over his family with Ken offering advice whenever asked.. John and JoReen Givens
10/24/2023

Paulette Tedford

My condolences to Kenny's family and extended family. I went to school with Kenny and often had my hair pulled by him. He sat behind me and with the most innocent grin would deny doing it. God Bless you on your final journey. Sincerely Paulette( Gillis) Tedford
10/24/2023

Kerri Schram

BJ, Taryl, Kolleen and Kelly our heartfelt condolences are with you all. Ken will be dearly missed. Sending you all our love, Kerri and Cal
10/24/2023

Leanne Schram

BJ, Taryl, Kolleen and Kelly. We are very saddened by the loss of Ken. We feel this loss deeply. We will always remember his jolly laugh along with his wise words of wisdom. Corey and Leanne Schram