Ken passed away peacefully on November 6, 2014 at the Red Deer Regional Hospital at the age of 83 years. Ken had taken a fall a few weeks back and broke his hip, and complications from the trauma and stress to his body mounted. Ken fought hard and was making daily improvements, and things were looking good, but perhaps the thought of losing his independence to illness was too much, and he just gave up. Twelve hours before Ken died he was not very responsive, but when asked if he liked it in the hospital, Ken looked up with a great smile and shook his head left to right, meaning absolutely not! Ken was born in the twenty-two room Red Deer Municipal Hospital on November 28, 1930, the second of four sons to Walter and Ellen Rowbotham. Ken was raised at the family homestead near Pine Lake, and attended the Grassy Lake School House, all the time working on the farm. In his adult life Ken continued to farm at Pine Lake, and lastly at Blackfalds, before retiring in 1992. The last few decades Ken resided at times in Red Deer, Sylvan Lake, Eckville, Innisfail, Calgary (that was a mistake!), and the past year at the Westview Manor in Bowden. Ken was predeceased by his father Walter, his mother Ellen, and his brothers Aubrey and Vernon. Ken is survived by his stepson, Jason Laurie and family of Calgary, stepdaughter, Alison Senycz and family of Calgary, stepdaughter, Tiffany Haynes of Mesa, Arizona, and brother, Austin Rowbotham and family of St. Albert. Also left to cherish Ken’s memory is his wife and best friend, Alida Rowbotham of Calgary. Ken was an all around great fellow with a terrific sense of humour, and a friendly and charitable disposition. Ken was always a great admirer of nature, and he loved everything to do outdoors, especially gardening, fishing, trapping, hunting, berry picking, and simple drives to the countryside. Ken always knew more than he let on, and often knew how things would unfold long before they would happen. Ken was overly generous person, and willfully or reluctantly, he ended up giving away everything the last few decades. Despite this, Ken remained a humble and trusted friend to all that remained close to him, and he didn’t begrudge anyone, although he could have. It is hard to find people like Ken these days; perhaps God doesn’t make them anymore, but Ken was definitely one of the good ones, and he will be truly missed. Ken’s son Jason extends his sincere appreciation to the attending physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and support staff of the ICU at the Red Deer Hospital, for the exemplary care provided to Ken the last few weeks. There are too many names to mention, but if you are reading this, you probably spoke with Jason, and you will know who you are. Much gratitude goes out to the families of Dale Herbert, Tom Herbert, and Shane Havervold for helping out in the manner they did. Ken thought the world of you guys, thanks for a lifetime of friendship! Thanks to Tom at the Innisfail Funeral Home for helping Jason make sense of things the past week. The Pine Lake country was always in Ken’s blood, and he often recounted stories of his upbringing there, life was an adventure back in the 30’s and 40’s, and a book should probably be written about the mischievous and fun filled times of that era. It is fitting then, that a reception in his memory be held at the Pine Lake HUB on Saturday November 15, 2014, between 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm. If you knew Ken from years ago, or in more recent times, you are welcome to attend. A great lunch that Ken would approve of, and beverages will be provided. Please contact Ken’s son Jason at 403-651-3335 for additional information. Heartland Funeral Services, Ltd., Innisfail entrusted with arrangements. Phone: 403-227-0006. www.heartlandfunerlaservices.com