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- [S5] Obituary.
Kenneth John Gamache
May 6, 1945 ~ February 27, 2024
Kenneth John Gamache passed away in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, on the day of his choosing, February 27, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at the age of 78 years.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 53 years, Gloria Gamache (nee Rombough) who was his devoted partner and best friend until the end; sons, Michael John and Warren James Gamache; a beloved grandson, Michael Paul Gamache; ex-daughter-in-law, Ginger Gamache; and was close with Michael Paul?s brother, James Byron Gamache-Boyle.
Also left to mourn are his sisters-in-law, Merle Gamache, Marilyn Beattie, Gail Rombough; the people who loved calling him ?Uncle Ken?, Doug Gamache and Lori Libra, Ken and Jason Robertson, and Suzanne Jones, Donna Mae Hewitt-Mundt, Glenn Storbakken, Brenda Lee Riley, Dale and Brian Beattie, and Carrie-Anne Roberge, Chad, Wade, and Trent Rombough.
The extended family whose lives he touched includes brother-in-law, Ray Rawcliffe as well as many great-nephews, great-nieces, and people not related by blood but who saw him as a father-figure regardless.
Ken was predeceased by his beloved parents, Wilfred and Edith Gamache; older siblings, Nelson Gamache and Dorothy Gamache; niece, Lynn Kennedy and by his sister-in-law, Margery Rawcliffe (Gloria?s sister).
Ken owned K. Gamache Machining and Manufacturing from 1975 until 1991. His employees often said he was the best boss they?d ever worked for, and his customers knew he was the one to call for quality rush work. He had a reputation as perhaps the best machinist in Edmonton and was very respected in his trade.
Before opening his machine shop, Ken worked overseas in Saudi Arabia and at various machine shops in Edmonton. After he moved on from self-employment, he worked steadily in the oilfield as a salesman and machinist, in Edmonton, overseas in Libya, and at diamond and gold mines in the Northwest Territories. He briefly owned a smaller, more specialized machine shop, Custom Oil Tool. Ken had an exceptional work ethic and commitment to duty!
A voracious traveller, Ken spent time overseas, especially in Malta, a destination he loved for the friendliness of its people, and its peaceful daily life. He and Gloria also took regular road trips, visiting much of the North American continent, including most of Canada and the United States (Alaska and Canada?s Northern Territories included). Ken felt at home in the quiet and majesty of Nature, and respected both living creatures and the land itself, and he loved discovering new restaurants and visiting historical sites. He made a science out of travelling quickly and lightly, using his ingenuity to make his van as comfortable as an RV. He eschewed souvenirs and often even photographs, preferring to embrace experience and trust his memory.
He was an avid fan of crime fiction in the written word as well as the screen, and admired protagonists who shared his work ethic, had integrity, and were prepared to do the right thing no matter the cost. His favourite fictional character was NYPD Blue?s Andy Sipowicz, whom he affectionately referred to as ?The Sipper?. Ken also loved history, and enjoyed books, both fiction and non, about the Old West, military history, and law enforcement. If they were written with humour and style, that was a plus!
In his younger years, Ken was an enthusiastic hockey play. He was a fan of the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Blue Jays, and admired coach Glen Sather and his childhood hero, Bobby Orr.
?Dependable in all weathers, never shirked a task. Splendid behavior.?
The family would like to thank friends and the Northridge Community who offered their support through messages, calls, and visits during this time.
At Ken?s request, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. Ken will be interred at the Merna Cemetery in the spring of 2024.
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1945 - 2024 (78 years)
