Kenneth Michael Kelly

Ken was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on August 22, 1938, to Edward and Rita (Keeler) Kelly. He grew up with his older brother, Buddy (Edward), playing baseball on the Halifax Commons. Years later the cleat marks on the kitchen floor of 14 Agricola Street were a loving reminder to Rita of her boys and all those summer days. In his university days, Ken played hockey for St. Mary’s University and “gave as good as he got!”

Ken married his high school sweetheart Pennie McCaffrey in September 1957 and together they had 3 children: Kenneth Scott, Sean Michael, and his beloved daughter Lisa Marie. In 1965, with his teaching degree in his back pocket, Ken moved the family to Calgary, Alberta. In 1985, Ken’s marriage to Pennie ended, but their dedication and love for their family continued.

Throughout Ken’s career, he was a teacher, a principal and later a high school counsellor for the Calgary Catholic School Board. One of his stories was about the year a student came to him and told him that the final exams were causing everyone a lot of stress. The students wondered why the year of coursework was not enough and why a final exam was necessary. Ken thought the students were right and so, exams were cancelled that year. If you meet any of Ken’s students on the street, I am certain that they would tell you he was their champion, their confidante and biggest supporter. Ken believed passionately in his students and their potential. In the words of his closest friends and colleagues, Ken had an impact on thousands of students over the years. Many who worked alongside Ken found special comradery in meeting at the Legion over a pint or two, a tradition which lasted many years beyond retirement.

Michelle Ferguson benefitted from Ken’s wisdom and guidance when he became her course counsellor and mentor at Bishop Grandin High School in 1987. His belief in her extended long after she graduated, and they kept in touch. In 1996 Michelle introduced Ken to her mother, Huguette (Gladu), thinking that it would be lovely if two of her best friends in this world became friends. Huguette and Ken married in 1998 and Ken became a beloved member of the family and stepfather to Suzanne, Bruce and Michelle Ferguson. His wisdom, guidance and humor were blessings to the family.

Ken and Huguette engraved their wedding rings with “Fo’ever” a saying they often repeated to one another. They enjoyed a rich life together visiting their favorite spots, especially Heritage Park. Ken and Huguette moved to Edmonton, Alberta in 2020.

Ken always looked forward to family gatherings and he especially enjoyed vacationing with daughter Lisa at Gleniffer Lake where he had his very own “bunkee” (mini-guest house)! The bunkee is decorated with Ken’s “Principal” name plate and some school memorabilia, making him feel right at home! Ken adored his grandchildren Kyle and Kelly-Ann Wood, Elsie, Jack, Sam, Sophie and Liam Reimer, and Brittany and Andrew Ferguson. To his grandchildren, to Lisa and his step-children he was “Pupper”, a name he called his own grandfather and wore himself with pride. Sadly, Pupper lost his son Sean in March 2023, a loss Pupper never recovered from. Ken and his brother Buddy both passed on this year, and we take great comfort in knowing that Pupper is reunited with his parents, brother and son.

Pupper enjoyed many pursuits in his life: crosswords, reading the paper cover to cover, camping with Fred (the dog), and skiing until he was in his late seventies! A little competitive, he enjoyed games of crib, bean bag toss, and Yahtzee. In fact, if you listen closely, he is likely yelling “Yahtzee!” wherever he is, with that Pupper twinkle in his eyes!

His journey on this earth is done. He changed many a life with his kindness, compassion and love. Pupper would never say goodbye, it was always “until next time”. To honor his memory his family asks that you have a “Pupper kind of day”. Take the time to love your family and tell them how much they are cherished and loved. Go for a walk and listen to the birds. Marvel at the sun. Until next time Pupper. We love you. Thank you for loving us (Huguette says Fo-ever).

As per Pupper’s wishes, no service will be held. His family will gather for a private celebration at a later date. If anyone wishes to make a donation in his name, any contributions towards Alzheimer’s research would be appreciated.