Obituary of Ken Orr

August 12, 1932 – Wetaskiwin, Alberta

April 30, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

On Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in his 92nd year, Ken passed away peacefully in his home with his wife, Joanne (nee Massey), by his side.

Ken was born on August 12, 1932, in Wetaskiwin, AB, to the late Kennedy Hunter Orr and Helen Irene Orr (nee McGregor). After losing his father at an early age, the family relocated to Vancouver, BC, where he attended Lord Bing High School. An accomplished athlete, Ken participated in baseball, rugby, and skiing, and excelled as a golfer. It was in Vancouver where he met the love of his life, Joanne. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Joanne for 67 years and was a proud father to Leslie Stewart (Ken), Cynthia, and Robert. Ken made a large impact on the lives of his four grandchildren, Marshall Stewart (Kaly), Spencer Stewart, Jonathan Palmer, and Alexandra Palmer (David Lay). He was also a great-grandfather to Marshall and Kaly’s son, Theo. Ken remained close to his sister Pat Rutledge, and niece Robyn (John Tyrell).

Ken articled with Price Waterhouse in Vancouver, BC, and became a CA in 1956. After graduating, he married his sweetheart and moved to Calgary, AB, where he began a long and successful career in the natural gas business. Ken held management positions with Alberta and Southern Gas Company, Alberta Energy, and TransCanada Pipelines, and ended his career as CEO of Western Gas Marketing. Ken served as the past President of the Financial Executives Institute of Canada, the past Director of the Canadian Petroleum Association, and was elected as Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Continuing his legacy, two of his children, Cynthia and Robert as well as his grandson, Jonathan, followed his career path and became CAs. After retirement in 1992, he consulted for various energy companies and served on natural gas pricing arbitration panels.

Ken and Joanne spent many happy retirement years in Scottsdale, Arizona, where they made lifelong friends, golfed, and enjoyed many family visits. He also played golf with friends at the Calgary Golf and Country Club. Ken passed along his love of sports onto his children and grandchildren who enjoy skiing and golfing today and was golfing with his grandchildren, Marshall and Spencer, on his 86th birthday at Jasper Park Lodge. Ken and Joanne hosted family trips to Scotland, Hawaii, and Alaska, which the family will always cherish.

A fair and caring man, Ken was a consummate gentleman right to the end. He was kind to all and will be missed by everyone who knew him. Honouring Ken’s request, a small family gathering will be held.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Avenue West, 16th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M4R 1K8, https://alzheimer.ca/en.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ken's family here.

In living memory of Ken Orr,  a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.