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Kenneth (Ken) Mason Gilbreath

It is with sad hearts that we announce Ken’s peaceful passing on Tuesday, October 31st, 2017 at the age of 59. Ken was born on September 10th, 1958 in Edmonton to Gil and Bess Gilbreath. Through his younger years Ken excelled at multiple sports including baseball, football, basketball, hockey and skiing. He met the love of his life, Lin, in high school when they were both 15 years of age. After graduating high school, Ken started rough necking on the oil rigs followed by a stint as assistant shipwright in Bellingham, Washington where Lin and Ken were married at age 20. In 1982, Ken and Lin moved to Laramie, Wyoming where he attended the University of Wyoming and later graduated in 1986 with a Bachelors of Science in Petroleum Engineering. During this time Jaynee and Clay were born and Ken worked at multiple jobs while studying for his degree full time. Despite a significant recession Ken managed to find his first engineering job with Mobil Oil in Calgary later in 1986. This was followed by work in Lloydminster and Bonnyville, where Megan was born. They then made their last move to Olds, where Ken worked independently with a few small oil companies prior to starting up Dorchester Energy with several other partners. Ken helped run the company as Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer. Following this stage in his career, Ken again worked as a consultant with several small oil companies culminating in his role as general manager at Insipient Exploration Ltd. While Ken had many academic, career and athletic accomplishments, family and friends will forever remember and celebrate the man Ken was, which was expressed through his strength of character. Ken loved his family. He was so proud of Lin, Jaynee, Clay and Megan and they brought him great joy. He was an amazing husband and father. Ken never drew attention to himself and instead focused his attention on helping others; from mentoring, to coaching to exercising his great ability to listen. He was generous and encouraging. His actions were guided by his strong moral and ethical code. Ken was also kind hearted, positive, hardworking and loving. He was a superb storyteller and public speaker which gave evidence to his brilliance, sense of humour and wisdom. Ken’s arthritis never stopped him from doing the things he loved, like golfing and spending time with a friend over a good scotch. Ken’s fine character always shone through. We will never forget Ken’s unfailing commitment to us, his family or the many gifts he gave us over our lifetimes. Ken loved us well and we are better for it. Ken is survived by his loving wife, Lin Gilbreath, who he was married to for 38 years and brought three wonderful children into the world; Jaynee (Noel), Clay (Britany), and Megan (Alan). Ken is also survived by siblings; Rod (Lorna), Andy (Pat), Clyde (Anne) and Elizabeth and by brother and sister-in-laws: Hugh (Lynn), Kathy (TJ), Steve (Liannna), Suzanne (Pat) and Colleen (Robert) and by numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday November 10, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. in the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #105, Olds. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Southern Alberta Institute of Urology, 7007 14 St. SW, Calgary, AB T2V 1P9. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Olds entrusted with arrangements. 403-507-8610 www.heartlandfuneralservices.com