Ken Masse

MASSE, Kenneth John C.E.T.
August 28, 1933 – July 22, 2015

Our family circle has been broken. The strongest link is gone from the chain. The brightest light in our lives gradually dimmed, and flickered out at 10:30 p.m. July 22, 2015 at Ft. Saskatchewan Community Hospital.
Ken was diagnosed with cancer in 2010. He endured his illness and treatments with grace and dignity. He waged that awful war for so long but lost that well fought battle. While his body failed, his mind was sharp and witty and he was still “working” from his hospital bed! The word “retirement” wasn’t in his vocabulary and he was physically “on the job” the day before he entered the hospital in March of this year.
Ken was the 3rd of nine children born to Louis A and Edna (Jones) Masse in Gainford, Alberta.
Left to mourn his profound loss are his loving wife and life long partner of over 60 years Judy (Nelson), his children:

Denise and her sons, Kenneth Christopher and Michael Tyler John (Dearden)

Lynne Marie Link and her son Jeremy and Jeremy’s newborn son Nixon.

Son Aaron (Cindy) and his only child Brittanie.

Son Ronan (Shyla) and their children Megan, Blade and Carson.

Brother Jack (Carol) Creston, B.C

His sweet baby sister Lois (Ewald) Lemke, Atlin B.C

Predeceased by his beloved grandson Farron Thomas Dearden in 2009.
Ken’s infant brother Louis I
Brother Derle (June Stracken)
Sister Anita and her three children (kittlitz)
Brother Ronald (Lissy)
Brother Douglas (Christine)
Brother Louis II (Sherry)

Ken was an entrepreneur, mentor, visionary, designer and manufacturer. He made innovative changes in the 1960’s in the oil and gas industry as well as the Railway industry that are still in place today!
Ken was a pilot in the late 70’s. He and his kid brother Jack (also a pilot) spent many hours flying the vast expanse of the southern Alberta skies. At that same period in time he was busy building a new company and with two young sons to raise, decided that was enough to keep him out of the cockpit!
Ken was a gentle and patient man, with as strong work ethic, sense of fair play, a disciplined and understanding instructor, always slow to anger.
In social gatherings he was often shy and reserved, but he loved public speaking! He was a past member of Toastmasters International in Calgary and later in Edmonton.
The family is honouring his wishes that there will be no formal service or memorial. Cremation has taken place.
Heartfelt thanks to the first responders from Bon Accord, Gibbons, Ft. Sask, for the many trips to the house. Ken’s personal physician Dr. Otto Roob and staff in the palliative care unit. You all are our heroes!

Donations in Ken’s name can be made to any of the following, with deepest thanks:
STARS AMBULANCE- Suite 100, 1519 35 Avenue East Edmonton International Airport, Alberta. T9E 0V6
CROSS CANCER INSTITUTE-11560 University Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2
PALLIATIVE CARE UNIT FT.SASK COMMUNITY HOSPITAL- 9401 86 Avenue, Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 0C6
HOPE MISSION-9908 106 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 2N7
“THROUGH THE PRISM OF GRIEF ALL MEMORIES ARE GOLDEN”
..Unknown
– See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/edmontonjournal/obituary.aspx?n=kenneth-masse&pid=175405585#sthash.Vo0Ovcvq.dpuf