Kenneth Francis DUFFY
Kenneth Francis Duffy – June 30, 1933 to June 12, 2023
With great sadness, Ken’s family announces that he passed away peacefully on June 12, 2023 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, just three weeks short of his 90th birthday.
Ken was born in Lacombe, Alberta and spent most of his life in Red Deer. He was a dedicated member of the Alpha Milk Company, joining as a junior accounting clerk shortly after finishing high school, and working his way to be Chief Cost Accountant in the latter part of his 42-year Alpha career.
An avid golfer and long-time member of the Red Deer Golf and Country Club, Ken’s collection of two “Hole-in-One” plaques and a box full of trophies attested to his golfing prowess. He enjoyed curling when the golf season was over and loved watching his beloved Montreal Canadiens play hockey while maintaining a keen interest in the Edmonton Oilers. He always had a joke or a funny story to share over a glass of white wine or a beer.
In 1958 he married Mary Ruzycki from Delburne and except for a six-year transfer with Alpha to Calgary and back, settled in Red Deer where they raised their daughters Kathy and Patti. He was predeceased by his parents Frank and Elsie Duffy and by his sister Mae Patenaude. Mary and Ken had been married for 63 years when she predeceased him in April of 2021 after a lengthy illness for which he was her primary caregiver. He subsequently moved to Edmonton to be closer to his daughters. He will be sorely missed by his daughter Kathy Ryan (Ed) and their son Craig (Megan), and his daughter Patti Duffy (Terry Zipp) and their children Stephen (Rhandi), Micheal and Katie. Also, the family wishes to thank Sandi for her kindness and compassionate care she gave our dad.
If desired, Memorial Donations in Ken’s honour may be made directly to the Red Deer Food Bank at www.reddeerfoodbank.com or to the Alzheimer’s Society at www.alzheimer.ca/ab/en
Kathy, Patti and families,
I was so sorry to read about your dad’s passing. Mr Duffy (he’ll always be Mr Duffy to me) was such a kind and gentle man. He was lucky to have the two of you looking after him. He will be missed.
Take care,
Pat Bolander
Thank you Kathy and Patti for sharing the gift of Ken with me. Spending time with Ken this last year is something I will cherish forever. He was so very proud of his family and always had a smile when talking of you. An amazing man that will be forever missed. ❤ Sandi
Kathy, olstade#telus.netPatty and families: I am so sorry to hear of your Dad passing. I enjoyed the years I worked with both your Mom and Dad, and seeing you girls at the Alpha functions. Your parents were always so happy and kind to everyone. Even though we have lost touch in the last few yeats, I still have great memories of them. I love the pictures you have shared on the obituary.Take care and God Bless you all.
Evelyn Olstad (Switchboard operator at Alpha)
Evelyn I tried to email you. Kathy
Hi Kathy, sorry you couldn’t reach me. My email is olstade@telus.net
Dear Kathy and Patti. I don’t know if you remember me, but I am Don and Estelle Becker’s middle daughter, Nancy. I have fond memories of growing up as friends and neighbors. Your mom and dad were always so kind to us. I am sorry to hear that your dear dad, Ken, has passed away. My dad, Don, is gone too. I send hugs and deep sympathy for your loss.
Thankyou for. your kind words Nancy. I hope you are doing well. How is your family ?
Patti and family, So sorry to hear about your Dad, and Grandpa . May you all find comfort in your memories.
Thank you Donna. We appreciate your kindness. Hope you are well