Kenneth RIPLEY

RIPLEY _ Kenneth Gordon It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Kenneth Gordon Ripley, at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at the age of 65 years. Ken was born on December 30, 1937 in Drumheller, Alberta. He grew up in East Coulee and spent his retirement years in Innisfail, Alberta. His life's work was as a coal miner, retail manager, real estate agent and one of the best meat-cutters ever. Three years ago, Ken contracted a virus that attacked his heart and he underwent a heart transplant that saved his life and gave him a few more incredible years to enjoy his family, but most of all his grandchildren who were the center of his universe. Ken was passionate about his home, his food, the casinos and, in the past year, his fifth wheel trailer. He will always be remembered for his incredible sense of humour and warm heart. In 2002, Ken and his wife Judy enjoyed a fabulous summer and fall motoring around the provinces with their grandchildren, visiting with family and friends. Ken is survived by his loving wife and soul-mate, Judy, the love of his life; as well as three sons, Darrel of St. Albert, Cam (Darlene) of Red Deer, and Greg (Hayley) Ripley of Calgary; and his extended family, Tami (Kelly) Black of Rocky Mountain House, Terri (Darryl) Marchand of Cochrane, and Trevor (Cathy) Curr of Red Deer. He will be dearly missed by his thirteen grandchildren, Danielle, Tressa and Jerrit, Bob, and Amber and Tia Ripley, Trisha (Mike) Datema, Dustin Black, Alysha, Spencer and Sharise Marchand, and Taeler and Connor Curr; and one great-grandchild Jeremy Datema. Also surviving him are three brothers, Jim (Vi), Doug (Marg), and Fred (Elfrieda) Ripley; and three sisters, Alma Shephard, Mary (George) Vincent, and Violet (Alan) Menzies; as well as a brother- and sister-in-law, Larry (Madeline) Olson; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ken was predeceased by his mom and dad, Minnie and Jim Ripley, and one brother Clarence Ripley. A celebration of Ken's life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2003 at 3:00 p.m. at the METCALF FUNERAL CHAPEL, 4200 - 49 Avenue, Innisfail, Alberta. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the cardiac transplant program at the Foothills Hospital. Make cheques payable to the Cardiac Transplant Clinic and mail to Calgary Health Trust, AC 136 Special Service Building, 1403 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta T2N 2T9. E-mail condolences can be sent to 1075@alderswoods.com. Arrangements entrusted to the METCALF FUNERAL CHAPEL, 4200 - 49 Avenue, Innisfail, Alberta. Telephone: 1-403-227-3123. 191550