Ken Powell

With a warm smile and a tilted hat, Ken was the quintessential cowboy with an unparalleled knowledge of horses and cattle. Those that knew Ken considered him among the elite of horsemen and he was well respected among his peers in the cowboy community.

Ken grew up in Turner Valley, AB - God’s Country - along the cowboy trail. Like a true cowboy, he would eventually travel, work, and live throughout Alberta working with horses and cattle on ranches, pastures, and grazing reserves. Rocky mountains, green grass, and clear water were Ken’s background when he hung his hat where opportunity knocked.

Rodeo was in Ken’s blood; competing in saddle bronc and tirelessly working as a pickup man to keep both the cowboys and livestock safe. In front of the chutes, Ken contributed as a judge but his true passion was felt behind the chutes, teaching and mentoring peers and young cowboys alike. With quiet professionalism, Ken would assess stock, console nerves, and offer advice to those that respected his presence and valued his knowledge. With every nod of the head, for 8 seconds, Ken would ride with those cowboys - intense, focused, and strong - sharing with them their successes and failures, as the world melted away and rodeo became life.

Recognized for his horsemanship, Ken contributed as a wrangler, extra, and hand on film productions such as Draw, Heaven and Earth, and Monte Walsh. Through long days and hard work, Ken shared some stardust with celebrities such as George Eads, Rex Linn, and Keith Carradine. He was especially honoured and spoke with great passion about working as the personal wrangler for Tom Selleck during the filming of Monte Walsh, sharing laughs, personal stories, and connecting over horses and cowboy culture. 

Ken embodied and modelled the classic cowboy traits and values of quiet humility, self-depreciating humour, and an introverted sense of curiosity. Comfortable around animals and gentle with people, Ken was conscious of his reputation and always wanted his family to be proud of him and his friends to be grateful for his companionship. He accomplished both. As a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, and companion, Ken’s presence will be missed. His spirit has touched us all and his memory will live on through those he adored and loved.

Ken passed away in the presence of family on July 10, 2024 at the age of eighty years.

Ken is survived by his wife of 30 years; Donna, and the mother of his children; Jeannine (Harold). He will be dearly missed by his children Randy, Dick (Shelley), Tracy, Wayne, and his stepchildren Blaine (Rachel) and Janine.

Ken is also survived by his brother Keith (Roberta).

Ken will live on in the cherished memories of his grandchildren Tonielle, Casey, Colten, Tayler, Owen, Davin, and his great-grandson Logan.

Ken was predeceased by his parents Lester and Mary, his sister Joanne, brothers-in-law Dick and Ray, and his heavenly grandsons, Logan and Sawyer.

In Ken’s memory, donations to the MS Society of Canada would be greatly appreciated. 

MS Canada 250 Dundas Street West, Suite 500, Toronto ON, M5T 2Z5 

A small family service will be held in Turner Valley and his ashes will be spread after the service.

Arrangements in care of Colleen Sekura at Drayton Memorial Cremation and Funeral Services   587 673-1688