KENNETH JAMES EGAN

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kenneth James Egan, our husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.
Ken passed away in the evening of Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010 at Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc. in Fort Frances, Ont. surrounded by his family.
Ken was a life-long resident of Fort Frances and often expressed how he enjoyed the Rainy River District and all of its people.
Ken was born Thursday, Aug. 4, 1927 in Fort Frances to the late Gertrude and Patrick Egan. He attended St. Mary’s School and Fort Frances High School.
On Nov. 5, 1947, Ken married the love of his life, Cecile (Dede) Armit. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage together and made their life with their four children in Fort Frances.
At a young age, Ken began working at the local Ford dealership, Mel Newman Ltd. He worked in various areas of the dealership but was mainly in sales over his 48 years of employment. As a salesman, he won numerous awards over the years from Ford of Canada.
As a very humble individual, he never changed who he was. It often was mentioned when you dealt with Ken, it was like he was a friend you had known for a lifetime.
At age 65, Ken retired from the dealership as it was then known as Voyageur Ford.
Ken devoted 39 years to Alcoholics Anonymous. He considered this to be his extended family. He was so thankful to those who had helped him, and always was concerned and proud of all the people in the program.
Until his health began to fail, he never missed many Friday night meetings.
Ken’s proudest achievement was the development of the lake property on Rocky Islet Bay, which he and Dede named “overlook.” Often sitting on the deck on a beautiful sunny day, he would say “it doesn’t get better than this.”
Ken enjoyed Sundays when the family and friends would spend the day at the cabin. Nothing could make him happier than watching his grandchildren and others enjoy the cabin activities.
Ken and his lake neighbour, Ray Rousseau, enjoyed years doing little projects together and sometimes took on more than they should have. They enjoyed their friendship and there was never a debate over Ford vs. GM.
Ken was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Anastasia, Francis, Jean, and Doris; brothers, Bert, Martin (Red), and John (Jack); and his son, Patrick.
Ken is survived by his wife, Cecile (Dede); daughter, Nancy and husband, Gordon Witherspoon, of Fort Frances, Ont.; and sons, David and wife, Karen, of Fort Frances, Ont. and Randall of Minneapolis, Mn.
Also surviving is Ken’s sister, Agnes and husband, Lorne Swanson, of Pinawa, Man. Numerous other relatives survive.
Ken was extremely proud of his grandchildren and loved them unconditionally. He relished in their success and was their greatest supporter when they ran into difficulties.
His grandchildren include Tricia and Vanessa Egan, Scott (Danielle) Witherspoon, Bryce and Brant Witherspoon, David Jr. (Nicole) Egan, Joey and Shaun Egan. Great-grandchildren include Vanessa’s children, Tzevi, Tyvek, Xavier, Addax, and Indira, Tricia’s children, Nathan and Isabella, Scott and Danielle’s son, Camden, and David Jr. and Nicole’s son, Matthew.
As well, Ken held a special spot in his heart for his sister-in-law, Bernice Armit and her family.
Funeral services took place Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Fort Frances, with Fr. Francis Pudicherry officiating.
Interment will take place at a later date at Holy Cross Cemetery in Fort Frances.
The pallbearers were David Egan Jr., Joey Egan, Shaun Egan, Scott Witherspoon, Bryce Witherspoon, Brant Witherspoon, and Todd Johnson.
The honourary pallbearers were Robin Grimard, Robin Wright, Ernie Clinker, Bert Smeeth, Gary Judson, Richard Macedon, Leonard Noonan, Dean Rousseau, and in absentia, Raymond Rousseau.
If friends so desire, donations in Ken’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8 or to Palliative Care c/o Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc., Fort Frances, Ont.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
God grant me the serenity to accept
The things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.