It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved father, Kenneth Robert Keesey, on May 1, 2025, at the age of 69, after a courageous two-year battle with advanced prostate cancer.

Ken was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Kathleen Keesey, and his wife, Marcia Keesey (Marc), in 2023. He leaves behind his three devoted children: Andrea Keesey (Ben Hall) in Seattle, Lauren Powel (Greg Powel) in Puerto Rico, and Tom Keesey (Vanessa Holly) in Sherwood Park. Ken was a proud and loving “Papa” to Ellis Richard Powel (8), Margaret Kathleen Hall (7), Josephine Lauren Hall (4), Vivian Elizabeth Powel (4), and Wes Malcolm Keesey (2). Ken is also survived by his siblings Larry Keesey, Greg Keesey, and Susan Martin, along with many beloved in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Born on June 26, 1955, in Unity, Saskatchewan, Ken was the youngest of four siblings. His early years were filled with love and happiness. Everyone doted on little “Kenny”. His dad was a mechanical engineer and carpenter, and his mom was a gifted musician and piano teacher. Ken had immense pride in the family and community he came from. He loved to tell stories about the adventures and shenanigans of his two older brothers, the companionship he shared with his kindred spirit sister, his mother’s elegance and generosity, and his father’s creativity and work ethic.

In 1967, at the age of 12, Ken embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. He and his parents and sister moved from Unity, SK, to Walton-on-Thames near London, England, where his father was recruiting school teachers to Saskatchewan. This experience left a lasting impression on Ken, and he often shared fond memories of his “amazing time” living in England. He was given a lot of freedom to roam and he enjoyed going to Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Ken returned to Canada at age 15, settling in Regina, SK, where he attended Campbell Collegiate and later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Regina. 

In 1978, Ken met his “gal” Marc. Ken and Marc had a wonderful life together and they were encouraging and dedicated parents to their three kids. Ken had so much fun attending the kids’ sporting events, going on family ski trips, and spending summers fishing and boating at his favorite place on earth: Loon Lake, SK, where he enjoyed 65+ years of “juicy” summer days.

Ken had a fulfilling 36-year career at SaskTel, where he worked from 1981 to 2017. Ken's dedication and passion for his work were evident in the numerous lifelong friendships he formed and the many philanthropic initiatives he supported: Junior Achievement, the Rotary Club, Crime Stoppers, co-founding SaskTel HOOP (Helping Our Own People), and SaskTel Pioneers as executive liaison. He also served on Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation’s Board of Directors for many years. Ken held various leadership positions at SaskTel over the years, including serving as Vice President of Customer Service and Sales for many years. He was a natural and charismatic leader, a mentor to so many, and an engaging public speaker. Many of his colleagues and customers at SaskTel became his great friends.

In his later years, Ken loved going on big adventures with his friends and kids. He completed epic bike trips across China and the Canadian Rockies, multiple treks in Nepal and South America, safaris in Africa, and even a triathlon! Ken embraced challenges and adventures, always excited to train for the next big adventure, and he was often seen walking along the Meewasin Trail in Saskatoon, accompanied by his loyal dog, Rudy. In the winter, Ken and Marcia loved to travel to warm destinations–to Hawaii, Mexico, and especially to their daughter’s home in Puerto Rico.

Ken’s heart and home was always in Saskatchewan. He was a prairie kid through and through. Ken's love for Saskatchewan was evident in his countless drives around the province, and a deep appreciation for its bright fields and dramatic skies, which he often stopped to admire. On long car rides, he and Marc loved to play the game "counting hawks" to pass the time (+1 if you see a hawk, -1 for a false alarm).

Ken's life was marked by his unwavering optimism, humility, and integrity. He believed in doing the right thing, even when it was difficult, and instilled these values in his kids. He often repeated the line, “make good decisions” before the kids went out on the weekend. Ken was a “people person”. He was a great listener and conversationalist, always making others feel heard and valued. You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone in heaven or on earth who wouldn’t describe Ken Keesey as a great guy.

Ken's legacy is one of kindness, positivity, and a genuine love for his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, siblings and all who knew him.

Ken’s kids would especially like to thank those who provided extra love and support during his battle with cancer: Gord Farmer, Gary Harding, Larry Keesey, Susan Martin, Greg Keesey, Bing Forbes, Ken’s wonderful neighbors, and his health care teams in Saskatoon, Burnaby, and Houston TX. We are immensely grateful to the St. Paul’s Hospital Palliative Care Team in Saskatoon.

We also invite Ken and Marcia’s family and friends to visit their memorial bench on Capilano Drive in Saskatoon, near the staircase. Enjoy the beautiful view and please don’t forget to bring them some Timmies!

In lieu of food or flowers, please consider making a donation to the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation in honour of Ken and Marcia Keesey.