Obituary of Kenneth Duff Waddell

Kenneth Duff Waddell was born in Rosetown, Saskatchewan in August 1946 and passed away peacefully at the Red Deer Hospice on June 17, 2021 in Red Deer, Alberta at the age of 74 years. He was a man full of character who will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Ken was raised on a farm west of McGee, Saskatchewan, where he lived until he was four. He always had great stories of his childhood; full of mischief, adventure and fun. In 1951, he and his family moved to the Duff Homestead east of Anglia, Saskatchewan, where he lived, farmed and raised his family.

Like his father, Ken believed in the good neighbour policy and a handshake. Ken was a kindhearted, loving and generous man with a great sense of humour. Some of his most cherished memories were made during his epic corn and pig roasts; Ken loved a good party! He will always be remember by his good friends and family to have a quick-witted sense of humour that would make you laugh! Ken loved to visit, tell stories and pull practical jokes, some of which are legendary! He also loved going for drives. And for those who knew him, you might have known to ask where you were going and for how long before you got in… just in case. Each day was a new adventure for Ken.

Ken sold his land and homestead near Anglia in 2005 and moved to Red Deer, Alberta, to start a new chapter in his life. He loved being neighbours with Costco because he never ran out of people to visit with. Ken spent his retirement travelling and meeting new friends; two of his favourite destinations were Costa Rica and Thailand. Whether he knew the language or not, he was happily determined to communicate via a small picture dictionary he carried in his front pocket.

Because of his love of people, Ken had the rare ability (inherited from his father Merle) to walk up to a total stranger, strike up a conversation and walk away with a new friend. Ken was dedicated to many things – early on, to his farm, which he took great pride in, but most importantly to his family and grandchildren.

Ken is survived by his three daughters Kelly (Jerry) Holyoak (Lacombe), Pam (John) Wack (Macklin) and Tanya Waddell (Serge Soucy) (Calgary); his son Randy (Kyra) Waddell (Sylvan Lake); seven grandchildren, Dawson Wack, Kendra (Anis) Haji, Chandler (Cassidy) Holyoak, Zoe Holyoak, Abrieanna Waddell, Kingston Waddell and Charlize Waddell; as well as his sister Joyce (Ron) Thorstad (Saskatoon). Ken was predeceased by his parents, Merle and Agnes Waddell, and too many close friends and family members to be named!

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the Red Deer Hospice Society. The wonderful care given to Ken and the many gestures of kindness given to the family helped ease everyone through a trying time. Thank you!

A service will be held at the Rosetown, Saskatchewan cemetery on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at 2 pm with a celebration of life following the service at The Barn in Herschel, Saskatchewan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Red Deer Hospice Society, where Ken spent his final days in loving care (Red Deer Hospice Society, 99 Arnot Ave, Red Deer AB, T4R 3S6 or online here) or The Do More Agriculture Foundation, an organization that focuses on mental health services in agriculture (online here).

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944