Ken CHEN

CHEN, Ken Ken Chen of Calgary, passed away on November 8, 2008 at the age of 80 years old. He was predeceased by Mamie, his wife of sixty years, who had passed away only four days previous. Ken was lovingly supported and consoled by his four sons and three daughters in dealing with the passing of Mamie. Ken (Pak Kin) was born in Guandong Toysun Thum Hup Savun Toon Chil Heng Li, China on February 27, 1928. He was the youngest of three boys born to Chen Mon Fun and his wife. In 1953, Mamie and Ken immigrated to Canada and settled in Calgary. Since 1953, he spent most of that time in the restaurant business in Calgary and Brooks, Alberta. Initially, he worked for his father, who had successfully owned the Fours Winds Cafe (formerly located south of the Bay) and the Modern Cafe (formerly situated on the site of the current Performing Arts Centre). In 1960, Ken and Mamie relocated their family to Brooks, where they successfully owned and operated their own restaurant. Upon his return to Calgary in 1968, he spent twenty-five years working for the Sheftel family, former owners of the Highlander, the Empress, Carriage House and the Blackfoot Inn. As result of this vast experience, Ken had the opportunity to meet and serve farmers, ranchers, firefighters, RCMP and policemen, local and provincial politicians, and many other patrons. He garnered many praises for his extensive repertoire of food specialties. His family will particularly have sentimental memories of his butterhorns, boston cream pies, and especially, the prime rib at Christmas time. Ken leaves behind a legacy of seven children who have each successfully established their own lives. He is survived by his children Jean (Jing and children), Edward (Betty, children Harrison and Brendan), Henry (Elaine), Bill (Karin), Jim (Jean), Phylis (Michael and son, Jeffrey), and Lily. Ken was also predeceased by his older brothers Chen Pak Jil and Chen Pak Yil. A Funeral Service will be held at FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 - 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen's Park Cemetery) on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. with Interment to follow at Queen's Park Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta No. 200, 119 - 14 Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta T2N 1Z6. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.mem.com . FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORIUM. Telephone: 403-297-0888 Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial Published in the Calgary Herald on 11/14/2008