Obituary - Delf, Kenneth

DELF, Kenneth (Ken) William
December 20, 1945 - Calgary, Alberta
March 23, 2020 - Calgary, Alberta

Ken Delf, dear husband of Alison (nee Daysmith) of Calgary, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2020 at the age of 74 years.

A true gentleman, his upbeat outlook on life was infectious and magnetic. He had a rare ability to bring joy to difficult situations, including his own, through humour and positivity. He was athletic, competitive, fiercely loyal and compassionate. His favourite things included good wine, mashed potatoes, whoopee cushions and any food Alison cooked. Ken was a trailblazer; his determination and perseverance were what made him successful in sports, business and life.

The man was a class act who left an indelible mark on everyone he met. While he will not be remembered for his ability to carry a tune, he created a life memorialized by prowess on the courts and courses, his contribution to the community through the creation of the Glencoe Golf Course, his terms as President of both the Glencoe Club, Calgary and Ironwood Country Club in Palm Desert, and a stable of lifelong friendships that he kept to the very end. Ken had vision and took great joy in creating beautiful real estate developments, notably Stonepine, a residential community built with his partner Harry Utzig, outside Calgary and Painted Boat Resort Spa and Marina, north of Sechelt, BC.

Ken's perpetual joie de vivre was coupled with the arcane and simple belief that life was only worth living if you're surrounded by those you love. He spent 45 years with the love of his life, Alison, living in Calgary, Priest Lake, ID, Manhattan Beach, CA, Austin, TX and Palm Desert, CA. Home was where she was.

One of his greatest joys was spending time with his four grandchildren; Jordan, Layla, Michael and Maximilian. He also took great delight in his three "daughters" Erin, Emma and Rachel and his siblings Sharon, Larry and wife Doreen.

Dad's unwavering love for the three of us was obvious. There were many things he taught us pertaining to all aspects of life. There are many others he let us learn for ourselves to reinforce the lesson. He was proud of us all, but we are the lucky ones who had the privilege to live our lives with him and we couldn't be more proud of him and who he was. There are so many stories which will live on in our hearts and around the dinner table for the rest of our lives.With love and gratitude from your boys, Matthew, Brandon and Rob.

A family service will be held at a later date. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Ken's obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. The family thanks Dr. Nairn Scott Douglas and Dr. Jonathan Howlett for their care over the last 5 years, along with the nephrology and cardiac staff of Foothills and Sheldon Chumir hospitals. Should you wish to send flowers, please consider a donation to your local kidney foundation instead.

In living memory of Ken Delf, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area.

Published on April 4, 2020