Kenneth Elmer Pillman

PILLMAN, KENNETH ELMER

JULY 3, 1929 – MARCH 19, 2021

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather and great grandfather at the Rimbey Hospital on Friday, March 19, 2021.

Born to Elmer and Laura Pillman in Castor, Alberta he grew up on the family homestead, the youngest of 5 children. He was an athletic and hardworking young man who enjoyed and excelled in baseball and hockey. Leaving the family farm to pursue a career, he eventually found in professional driving. He drove for Sunburst, Coachways and Greyhound making lifelong friendships along the way and receiving numerous recognition awards. He drove many routes in his career including Cold Lake, Marwayne and Fort McMurray. It was in Cold Lake he met and married his first wife and had 3 children.

If driving was his profession, then ranching & farming were his passion. He married Edith after his first marriage ended and together, they purchased the EK Ranch located just off highway 16W at the Duffield turnoff. It was a labour of love and they remained there for over 20 years. Dad was most at home on a piece of machinery or with cattle. They eventually sold and re-located to Rimbey where he has remained. Active in the auction market, auction sales, on Sargeant’s farm and driving for Rimbey Ford kept him busy in his retirement.

Dad was a kind but firm man. He enjoyed helping others, providing rides to appointments, delivering meals on wheels, picking up mail and frequently checking in. As Ede’s sight and health declined, he took over many of the household duties as well as her care, all while battling his cancer and going through treatments. He was also a strong and proud man both in the physical sense and in his convictions. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and enjoyed their visits’ and phone calls very much.

Dad & Ede welcomed many visitors over their 50 years together. The coffee was always on, the cookies were fresh baked and a home cooked meal would soon be on the table. Sadly in January 2019, Edith passed away. Dad was incredibly lonely and struggled with his own health as well. He remained in their condo until August of 2020 when he went to Valley View Manor in Rimbey. He remained there until being admitted to the hospital 2 weeks before his passing.

He leaves to mourn his children, Wendy (Doug) Borgstrom, Camrose; Shannon (Steve) Vinek, Cold Lake; Dwayne (Nita) Pillman, Wainwright; Joanne Ward, Edmonton. Grandchildren, Kylee (Adam) Forget, Sean (Teyel) Petryshyn, Cole (Ali) Vinek, Tyson (Diandra) Vinek, Wade (Naomi) Pillman, Kelsey (Cody) Pillman, Tara (Jeff) Catherwood, Tracy (Jason) Smith. Great-Grandchildren, Kataly, Tallyn, Milo, Ridge, Kaitlyn, Samantha, AJ, Jake and Sadie. Ken was predeceased by his wife, Edith; son-in-law Bryan Ward; parents and siblings.

As the family, we would like to extend our sincere thank you to the staff at Valley View Manor for welcoming and caring for Dad during his brief stay. Thank you to Dr. Burke and the staff at the Rimbey Hospital. Thank you to our dear friends, Terry & Carol Sargeant and Suzie &Wilfred Wiese.