Obituary of Kenneth William O'Reilly

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our brother, uncle, cousin, and friend Ken O’Reilly.  Ken passed away on October 23, 2018 at his home in Airdrie, Alberta.

 

Left to mourn Ken are his brothers & their families Terry, Danny, Michael (Jeanette), and Lyndon (Donna) O’Reilly.  Ken is blessed by many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, nephews and family in Cardiff Wales.  Ken is predeceased by his bother Tim and his parents Thelma and Daniel O’Reilly.

 

Ken moved to Calgary in 1970 after graduating from Swift Current Comprehensive High School.  His calling was in sales and he applied his talent in several fields including chemicals, rentals, and building materials.

 

Many of his friends followed him to Calgary and became room-mates.  We often would say to Ken that he raised a lot of those guys and helped them get their start in the big city.

 

Somehow Ken seemed older and wiser and many looked up to him as he was fiercely independent.  In the early years, Ken worked hard and played hard.  He seemed to enjoy winter sports, taking up curling and downhill skiing with his cousin, Rod Satter.  In recent years, it was difficult to coax Ken out for visits, but when we did, he was always the same old Ken, quick-witted and easy to laugh.  He was proud of his Irish roots and is remembered for all the funny phrases and songs he knew.

 

Ken’s brother, Dan, remembers the time when he was coaching hockey with Ken in grade school on an outdoor rink as was the norm in those days.  Dan tells the story of little Ken being his best player, playing well above his age.  “Ken was stocky, a great shot and a really great skater,” Dan remembers.  “He had so much natural talent.”

 

Ken’s brother, Michael, remembers Ken as friendly, and easy going who could talk to strangers and make them feel like he had known them for a long time. Ken was quiet and reserved; never loud or boisterous, never a braggart or filled with self-importance, never crass or mean or looking for ways to abuse or take advantage of another person. Ken was a gentle soul. And in a world today that needs more gentle souls more than ever, Ken will be missed.

 

Ken’s youngest brother, Lyndon, remembers that Ken was his idol growing up as they were the closest in age.  Lyndon remarks that, “Ken looked after me, showed me how to do snow angels when I could barely speak, and taught me how to laugh!”  “Ken, spread your wings wide and fly everywhere but don’t forget that I’ll be watching over you.”  “Peace to ya brother!”

 

Ken loved his family and friends and never wanted to impose on anyone. He was a very private person who wasn’t prone to sharing his feelings about his personal life or plans. He was a character throughout his life and to know him was to love him.

 

Ken will be cremated and laid to rest in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, next to his Mom.  The family will hold a private interment to commemorate Ken’s life.

 

 

A Fallen Limb

A limb has fallen from the family tree.

I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me.

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.

The good life I lived while I was strong.

Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.

Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.

Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small.

Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls.

I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.

Until the day comes, we’re together again.”

 

– Author Unknown