KEN BARNARD

KEN BARNARD April 17, 1940 ~ December 22, 2022
It is with a heavy heart that Barbara announces that her beloved husband, Kenneth Frank Barnard, passed away at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at the age of 82 years. Ken is also survived by his daughter, Coleen (Stewart) Boxell; grandchildren, Colton Boxell (Rachel Hammer) and Leanne (Collin) Eskola as well as extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his son, Stephen Kenneth “Steve” Barnard.
Ken was born on the family farm near Moosomin, SK on April 17, 1940 to Frank and Sophie Barnard, the only brother to three sisters. Ken moved to Regina, SK when he was 16 to work at the Eaton’s store until his family moved to town. He then learned the drywall trade from his dad which involved traveling all over Saskatchewan and into NWT. It was love at first sight when Ken and Barb were introduced by her Woolworth’s co-worker. They married on September 10, 1960 in Calgary and shared much love for the past 62 years during all of life’s ups and downs, holding onto each other until the end. Throughout their married life, the move from Regina included Calgary, Lethbridge and finally Medicine Hat in 1972.
Family was very important to Ken; he was such a proud Dad and GranDad. Family suppers always had to include a Joke of the Day and he loved a good pun run. In the grandkids’ toddler years, he took many walks with them to ease their “restaurant” restlessness. In later years, his influence became more philosophical with many great conversations covering a variety of topics. He learned how to text, Facebook and Tweet so he could communicate with them in their language.
Ken was a member of the Kiwanis, the Executive Club, the Medicine Hat Construction Association and a chartered member of Gas City Square Toastmasters.
Ken was very well respected in the construction industry; one can see his imprints throughout Medicine Hat as he was a real innovator. He was so proud of the men he trained over the years. Ken and Barb’s company, Crescent Drywall Industries, produced many of the Hat’s current drywall contractors and was one of the first to use steel studs and demountable partitions on such projects as the current City Hall and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. Over the years, in addition to work, service groups and traveling, Ken was an avid golfer, once shooting two holes in one within a month of each other. When not on the course, you could find him cheering for the Blue Jays and Saskatchewan Roughriders while watching the game on TV. He also enjoyed all kinds of crafts such as carving wood or Ostrich eggs, glass etching or resin art, many of which won prizes at the annual Stampede art show.
Ken had a massive heart attack at age 36 and was a two time cancer survivor along with other health issues along the way, always toughing it out without a word. The family often reminded him he had used up his nine lives so he retired in 2020 but kept busy fixing and doing odd jobs for others in the condo, for family and the odd past customer.
Ken was a man of few words and preferred coffees with close friends and fellow Al-Anon members. At his request, there will be no funeral service (but we’ll sneak in a memorial service in the spring for those wanting to pay tribute to him). (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com). Memorial gifts in Ken’s name may be made to the Canadian Red Cross, 398 Aberdeen Street S.E., Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 0R2; The Mustard Seed, 503A Allowance Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 3E4; Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Road N.E., Calgary, AB, T2E 2P5; Medicine Hat SPCA, 55 Southwest Drive S.W., Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 8E8 or to the charity of one’s choice. Honoured to serve the family is


Cook Southland Funeral
Chapel Crematorium &
Reception Facility
901 – 13th Street S.W.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4
Phone 403-527-6455
www.cooksouthland.com
“Locally owned & directed”