Kenneth “Ken” Veness

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kenneth “Ken” “Kenny” Veness, of Calgary, on January 12, 2026, at the age of 81.

Ken was born in Edmonton, Alberta and lived a life defined by service, commitment, and deep devotion to family and community. He pursued higher education throughout his life, earning his Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation from the University of Calgary, along with certificates in Information Systems Management from the University of Calgary, Condominium Management from Mount Royal University, and a LAN Novell Administration Certificate.

Ken began his career as a Chartered Accountant (CA) and went on to work with organizations including Government of Alberta, Harvey & Associates, the Canadian Cancer Society, and KIGEP Management, where he retired after years of dedicated service. He was also a business owner and served as president and treasurer on numerous boards. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and an active member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church.

Ken was a passionate sports fan who loved ALL sports, but none more than hockey—especially the Edmonton Oilers—and football, cheering faithfully for the Edmonton Eskimos. One of his greatest joys was watching his grandchildren play sports - he loved watching his granddaughters play soccer, run track, and treasured the hours spent travelling with his grandsons to out‑of‑town hockey tournaments. Grandpa Ken was a familiar and beloved presence at his grandsons’ community hockey rink and junior hockey tournaments, always cheering from the stands. He held season tickets for the Calgary Hitmen and, when his own grandchildren were no longer playing, continued to find joy in sports by proudly supporting the next generation—most recently attending football games for his best friend’s eldest grandchild and cheering on their youngest grandchildren at hockey. Ken played hockey himself, only stopping in his late 70s, and also loved golf, curling, and skiing, proudly teaching several of his grandchildren and family members how to ski.

Travel brought Ken great joy, particularly trips to the mountains of Alberta and British Columbia, Invermere, Kelowna, Hawaii, and cruises. He cherished time spent camping, vacationing, and simply being present with family. Known for acts of service, Ken quietly made countless opportunities possible for others—sports, theatre, travel, education, and everyday care. He was a constant, dependable presence and a father figure to many.

Ken is survived by his beloved daughters, Janelle Adie and Lindsey Peterson (Barry); his cherished grandchildren, Josie, Lexi, Gentry, Chesney, Reagan, Brenna, and Harlee—many of whom shared a home and daily life with Grandpa Ken for years; his great‑grandchild, Cedar; his sister‑in‑law, Lois Beuttenmiller; his partner, Millie Collins; as well as many nieces and nephews whom he cared for deeply.

Ken was predeceased by his parents, Thyra Jessie McDonald and Walter Arnold Veness; his beloved wife, Shirley Veness (Grandma Shirley), who raised Janelle and Lindsey alongside Ken and was a devoted grandmother to their children until her passing in 2006; Janelle and Lindsey’s mother, Charlene Veness; his sisters, Louise “Lou” Kelleher (2005) and Olive “Ollie” Moxley (1995); his brothers, Walter “Wally” Veness (1945), Philip Arthur “Art” Veness (1993), and Roy Veness (2012); as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke's Catholic Church (Corner of Northland and Northmount Drive NW) on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 10:00am with a recording of the service available below for those unable to attend in person. Reception to follow in St. Luke's Parish Hall. A Graveside Service will follow at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens.

Memorial donations may be made in Ken’s memory to the Knights of Columbus, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Salvation Army, War Amps, or the Royal Canadian Legion (Horton Road Branch).

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to 911 services, EMS, and the staff at South Health Campus for their compassionate care.

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