Kenneth Lee McIlvride, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2024, in Grande Prairie, at the age of 64 years.

Ken, along with his twin sister Kelly, were born to Bill and Cecile McIlvride in Spirit River, AB, on January 1, 1960. They were the third and fourth of eight children.

Ken attended school in Spirit River before leaving to work at Dave Ross Equipment at the age of 16, where he discovered his affinity for tinkering with equipment. From there, Ken moved on to driving big trucks, and working for companies including: Deken Transport, Newalta, Mallard Trucking, Larry Wagner Trucking, Hamel Excavating, and Reco.

In 1980 Ken married Maureen Payeur, also from Spirit River, whom he had met two years earlier at a School Dance in Rycroft. Together they welcomed two daughters, Kimberly, and then three years later, Hilary. As a family they enjoyed camping, sledding, and spending time on the Payeur farm with their large extended family.

Over his career, Ken experienced two separate workplace tragedies in which he suffered burns. The first being minor, the second extensive. Ken persevered through the recoveries of both incidents, returning to the road.

Ken took pride in keeping a well manicured lawn, and camping trips with Maureen, where he could often be found with one of their pups in his lap. He loved being a papa to Kimberly’s three children and was famous for his sleepover pancakes.

Ken will be sadly missed by his wife Maureen of 43 years; children Kimberly (Spencer), and Hilary; grandchildren: Killian, Evangeline, and Mavis; siblings: Wayne (Julie), Annette (Dave), Kelly (Gerry) Patty, Glen (April), Bruce, and Tim (Sue); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Ken was predeceased by his parents Bill and Cecile McIlvride.

A Viewing will be held Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 10am, at Oliver’s Funeral Home Grande Prairie, AB (10005 107 Ave.), with a Service to follow at 11:00am, and Interment will follow at Grande Prairie Cemetery (84 Ave. and 112 St.).