Kenneth James Egan

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kenneth James Egan, our husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Ken passed away in the evening of Thursday, December 2, 2010 at Riverside Health Care Facility, Fort Frances surrounded by his family. Ken was a life-long resident of Fort Frances and often expressed how he enjoyed the Rainy River District and all of its people.

Ken was born on Thursday, August 4, 1927 in Fort Frances to the late Gertrude and Patrick Egan. He attended St. Mary’s School and Fort Frances High School.

On November 5, 1947 Ken married the love of his life Cecile (Dede) Armit. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage together and made their life with their four children in Fort Frances.

At a young age Ken began working at the local Ford dealership; Mel Newman Limited. He worked in various areas of the dealership but was mainly in Sales over his 48 years of employment. As a salesman he won numerous awards over the years from Ford of Canada. As a very humble individual he never changed who he was. It was often mentioned when you dealt with Ken it was like he was a friend you had known for a lifetime. At age 65 Ken retired from the Dealership as it was then known as Voyageur Ford.

Ken devoted 39 years to Alcoholics Anonymous. He considered this to be his extended family. He was so thankful to those who had helped him and was always concerned and proud of all the people in the program. Until his health began to fail he never missed many Friday night meetings.

Ken’s proudest achievement was the development of the lake property on Rocky Islet Bay which he and Dede named “overlook”. Often sitting on the deck on a beautiful sunny day he would say “it doesn’t get better than this”. Ken enjoyed Sundays when the family and friends would spend the day at the cabin. Nothing could make him happier than watching his grandchildren and others enjoy the cabin activities. Ken and his lake neighbour Ray Rousseau enjoyed years together doing little projects together and sometimes took on more than they should have. They enjoyed their friendship and there was never a debate over FORD VS GM.

Ken was predeceased by his parents, sisters Anastasia, Francis, Jean and Doris, brothers Bert, Martin (Red), John (Jack) and his son Patrick.

Ken is survived by his wife Cecile (Dede), daughter Nancy and husband Gordon Witherspoon of Fort Frances, sons David and wife Karen of Fort Frances and Randall of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Also surviving is Ken’s sister Agnes and husband Lorne Swanson of Pinawa, Manitoba. Numerous other relatives survive.

Ken was extremely proud of his grandchildren and loved them unconditionally. He relished in their success and was their greatest supporter when they ran into difficulties. His grandchildren include Tricia and Vanessa Egan, Scott (Danielle) Witherspoon, Bryce and Brant Witherspoon, David Jr. (Nicole) Egan, Joey and Shaun Egan. Great grandchildren include Vanessa’s children Tzevi, Tyvek, Xavier, Addax, and Indira, Tricia’s children Nathan and Isabella, Scott and Danielle’s son Camden and David Jr. and Nicole’s son Matthew. As well Ken held a special spot in his heart for his sister-in-law Bernice Armit and her family.

Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church with Father Francis Pudicherry officiating. Interment will take place at a later date at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be David Egan Jr., Joey Egan, Shaun Egan, Scott Witherspoon, Bryce Witherspoon, Brant Witherspoon, and Todd Johnson.

Honourary pallbearers will be Robin Grimard, Robin Wright, Ernie Clinker, Bert Smeeth, Gary Judson, Richard Macedon, Leonard Noonan, Dean Rousseau and in absentia Raymond Rousseau.

If friends so desire donations may be made in Ken’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society in care of Green Funeral Home, Box 427, Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 3M8 or donations may be made to Palliative Care c/o Riverside Health Care Facility, Fort Frances, Ontario.

On-line condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.

God grant me the serenity to accept

The things I cannot change,

Courage to change the things I can,

And wisdom to know the difference.