April 17, 2020 – Claresholm, Alberta
Ken Stav of Turner Valley, AB passed peacefully on Friday, April 17 at the Willow Creek Long Term Care Centre in Claresholm, AB, at the age of 93 years.
Ken was one of the 11 children raised on the family homestead near Val Marie to Hjalmer and Lola Stav. Like many of his era, he grew up during the Great Depression and learned the value of hard work. As a young man, Ken was drawn to Alberta by the Western ranching way, working on several ranches in the
southern part of the province, including the A7 and the Bar Pipe. For 13 winters, he travelled to Santa Barbara, California to work with polo horses. During his rodeo days, he met and married Marian Schmaus; together they lived and worked at the Bar Pipe until they partnered with Marian’s folks on their farm near DeWinton. In 1968, Ken and Marian moved to 80 acres just north of Turner Valley where they raised their sons; the family bred and trained Quarter Horses and ran cattle.
Ken also worked for many years as a provincial brand inspector. Although Ken was small in stature, he was larger than life. Know for his honesty and straightforward ways, he was humble and gentle with his family, friends, and animals, in particular, horses.
He put others’ needs before his own, willingly mentoring those who genuinely were interested in learning what he had to offer.
He touched many lives. Ken is survived by his wife Marian; his sister Deetta Nelson; sons Harley (Kelli) and Joel; grandson Kent (Lacy); great-grandchildren Hayden and Olivia; grandsons Cody and Dylan McArthur and their families, and numerous nephews and nieces.
The family extends its deep appreciation to Ken’s doctor, Dr. Jacques Branch; to the nurses and staff of the Oilfields Hospital in Black Diamond; and to the staff of the Willow Creek Long Term Care Centre in Claresholm.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to
STARS Air Ambulance Service, 1441 Aviation Park NE,
Calgary AB T2E 8M7. To express condolences please visit www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements in care of Snodgrass Funeral Homes Ltd.
(High River) 403 652 2222.
