It is with shattered hearts that we announce the passing of Kenneth Lee Smith on April 11, 2025 from complications of lung cancer and pneumonia. Ken was born in Edmonton on January 18, 1953 to Ken and Daisy Smith. The second oldest of eight siblings, Ken grew up in a loving, lively household that helped shape his sense of family, hard work, and loyalty.
Ken was a man of many skills. He was a certified floor mechanic, worked as an apprentice carpenter, and served his community proudly for 30 years as a firefighter with the Edmonton Fire Department. His dedication to helping others and his quiet strength earned him the respect of many.
Ken’s greatest passion was his family. He shared 50 devoted years with the love of his life, Darlene, and was a proud father to Megan (Lee) and Melissa (Kevin). His six grandchildren—Brianna (Colby), Kanon, Daly, Hadyn, Kenley, and Hunter—were the lights of his life. He cherished every moment with them.
A lifelong sports enthusiast, Ken found joy and camaraderie in golf, hunting, fishing, curling, and softball. Whether he was out in the wilderness, on the greens, or at the ball diamond, Ken brought a spirit of fun and friendly competition wherever he went.
Ken is survived by siblings Ruth (Brian), Eva (Phil), Albert (Brenda), Daisy (Dan), Reg (Rhonda), and sister-in-law Dianne. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.
Ken was predeceased by his parents Ken and Daisy Smith, his brothers Roy and Gordon, his sister-in-law Marilyn, and his father and mother-in-law Doug and Albertine Helman.
Ken’s legacy of love, laughter, and strength lives on in all who knew him. He will be remembered always and missed deeply.
A celebration of life for Ken will be held at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, April 23rd at the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Rosenthal. 1228 Township Road 524, Stony Plain.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Edmonton Firefighter Burn Treatment Society or to Give A Breath (in support of the lung cancer community).
Oh my gosh so sorry . Darlene it seems like just yesterday talking to you all at our grandkids hockey game . I will miss seeing Kens smile whenever I saw him out and about in Spruce
Darlene, Thinking of you and your family during this sad time, may your happy memories of Ken give you peace and comfort. Take care.
We are so sorry for your loss and send our deepest condolences to all of you.
Darlene and family. We were so sad to hear the news of Ken’s passing. Definitely a great man gone far too soon. We will miss Ken’s wonderful sense of humour, his love of life and friends, and his devotion to family. Sad we couldn’t make Ken’s celebration of life but please know we are thinking about you all and our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hold your memories of all the happy times in your hearts.
Darlene and family. We were so sorry to hear about Ken passing way. Definitely a great man gone far too soon. We will fondly remember Ken’s zest for life, his sense of humour and his love of family. Sad we couldn’t make Ken’s celebration of life but please know we are thinking of you and know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these difficult times. Sending our love and hugs, Carl and Anna
You will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know you -rather by relatives or friends. I can remember sending Facebook Words of Wisdom every day to both you and Phil at the time you were both battling serious diseases. I loved your laugh and how red your face got when sharing a funny story. I especially remember one summer when your entire family came for a weekend visit. You had 10 people in your family and there was 7 in our family. Us kids found many fun games to play and it was one of my fondest memories. Your Mom and Dad would have waited at Heavens Door to welcome you home. We all will miss you so much but you left us with my amazing memories and I love you to the Moon and back.
Darlene
Ron C phoned us the sad news about Ken. Brought back some great memories of the Allendale and Retail Clerks fastball. Remember when you and Ken opened your house to a Taco Party for the ball team. Leslie and I could not remember leaving aa house in such a state. Taco shell and remains all over the house.
And how about the time you and Ken installed the carpet in our house in Spruce Grove when we were gone back to Stettler for a long weekend. What a great surprise for us when we returned.
I know this goes back to the 70’s but what a great time we had.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. Our sympathies to you and the rest of your family.
I worked with Ken at station #1 and we shared a lot of stories with each other. We had a lot in common we both like to Bow Hunting and Fish. He was a very good firefighter and pass on his knowledge to us all. I will always remember his big smile and huge laugh around the station. My condolences to the family. Rest in peace Ken.
A true gentleman, friend and awesome firefighter that was a mentor to many. I was honoured to have the opportunity to work, curl and golf with Ken. Will miss you my friend. My thoughts are with you Dar and the family at this difficult time.
Very Sad to hear of the passing of everyone’s friend, Ken a true gentleman/sportsman. My condolences to his family at this sad time for all of us knew Ken.
Darlene – So sorry to hear of the passing of your husband , Ken. Sending deepest sympathy to you and your family. Jim and Yvonne Huff
Our deepest condolences go to the Smith family. I always enoyed Ken company either at work or golfing. He was a great guy and will be missed by all. RIP Ken.
While i was Capt. at Station 1 , I had the pleasure of having Ken work on my
crew, this was sad news to hear of Kens passing , and now left with good memories,
and my condolences go out to the family ;
We were so sad to hear of Kens passing. Remembering the fun times in Solvang , golfing, happy hours and the many birthday celebrations we had there.
Ken and I spent a lot of time in curling rinks and on the curling ice together. He was a good friend and just a great guy . I was glad I was able to see him a few weeks ago at the Firefighters Curling Nationals. I will miss him. My deepest condolences go out to Darlene and Family. So long old friend.
Darlene and Family So sorry for your loss my thoughts are with you
Ken, we met as young teenagers and you married my BFF Darlene.That was a great choice? You gave her the best life blessed with two beautiful daughters and a life full of happiness and love. Rick and I will miss you but know you are part of our lifetime of memories forever.
Rick and Nancy Skaggs
SO sad to hear this news!! Ken was such a good guy, Ray and Ken were great friends on the Department. My condolences to you Daisy and your whole family!
Always enjoyed Ken’s company when our paths crossed. Famous for his smile and great sense of humour. Condolences to the Darlene and the family.
After sharing a couple of beers at the firefighter curling nationals just a few weeks ago, I cant believe that i am now commenting on this unexpected loss. Condolences to Darlene and family, Ken will not be forgotten as some people have already commented. He was always a gentleman and a helpful man, was influential in helping me learning to curl when i first started the roaring game… RIP brother
We go back so many years Ken ,you will be missed by everyone who had the honor of meeting you Rest in peace my Friend
Please accept my deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time. Know that my thoughts are with you and your family as you navigate through this profound loss.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Leah
So sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. He was one of the good ones. Our thoughts are with you.
Ken will be missed so much and we send our deepest condolences.
So very sorry to hear of Ken’s passing.
Worked with Ken and he was always a light in the room. Good Firefighter and a good man. I smile as I think of him.
Ken will be missed , He taught me so much , was such a good Firefighter and a great person …
God Bless Ken.
Darlene and family
I am so sorry for your loss my deepest condolences
Rest in peace my friend and fellow Firefighter. I knew you as a supreme being! My condolences go out to your wife Darlene, and all of your family.
Our deepest condolences, Ken was a great guy, always jovial and happy, nice to be around! You will be missed Ken, RIP
Sorry to hear about Kens passing we were friends of the Smith family for a longtime our prayers are with you all.
Ken working with you at station 1 and working with you made us great friends for life , playing ,golf curling , or Mexican trains on family golf holidays to California , that Dennis the menace smile I will never forget. I was lucky enough to spend a little time with you before your unexpected passing , and I know I will see you again you left us to soon you B<O<S
Our condolences to Darlene and the girls. I enjoyed spending time with Ken,
either at work, curling or playing golf. He will be missed.
Ken you were and exceptionally caring brother, mentor and best brother ever. You will be deeply missed. Until we meet again brother. Love now and always.
You battled hard my friend, now rest.
My sincere condolences to the Smith family.
So sorry to hear this sad news; Ken will be sorely missed by all who knew him & especially be his extended family. RIP Brother.
Our hearts and prayers are with you all.
We are so sorry for your loss send lots of love
My deepest condolences