Kenneth Blom

 On September 12, 2022, Kenneth John Ova Gram Blom passed away suddenly at home at the age of 90 years.  Kenn leaves behind his loving wife Carol, children Debbie, Kevin, Leslie (Robert Degagne), Erin, Rhonda (George Bellows), and Marleah, sisters Diane (Robert Black) and Bonnie Giesbrecht as well as 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.  Kenn was predeceased by his mother Catherine, his father John, four brothers, and two sisters.  

Kenn was born and raised in Saskatchewan where at a young age he became one of Père Murray's “Hounds” when he attended the Notre Dame College in Wilcox.  There he gained a love of sports and developed a caring, accepting, and compassionate approach towards others. Throughout his life Kenn treated others with kindness and remained a loyal Saskatchewan Roughrider fan.   

Kenn was held in high regard throughout his career.  After serving five years at Canadian Fairbanks Morse, Kenn joined the Public Health field in 1956 and worked as a Public Health Inspector in both Saskatchewan and Alberta. Kenn was held in high regard throughout his career and his contributions were recognized through various awards. He became a leader and mentor in the field, taking on roles such as President of the Alberta Public Health Association (1976) and President of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (1982), where he was awarded in recognition to his 50 years of membership (2008).   

Kenn deeply appreciated sports, the arts, and good stories.  He played and coached junior football and minor hockey with his last hockey claim to fame playing goalie for Coaldale Sugar Daddies.  Kenn took karate classes and enjoyed many rounds of golf at the Magrath Golf Course.  His dedication to find lost golf balls often resulted in rare and funny stories to tell.  Kenn also enjoyed playing cribbage, taking part in community musical theatre, and reading.   He whittled creative carvings and inserted personalized written notes when sending off birthday and Christmas cards. Kenn listened faithfully to CBC FM radio or any old-time country, classical and opera music at home, in the car and in the workshop.  Kenn would sing at any chance.  Over the years each family member looked forward to hearing his special musical rendition of ‘Happy Birthday.’  

Kenn was a kind, gentle man who possessed creative abilities and a unique sense of humour. He loved to live, laugh work, and play.  He especially loved his family and was deeply loved in return. His family, friends, and colleagues are grateful for the positive impact Kenn made in the world. Marvelous memories, stories, wood carvings, and kind gestures made to others will continue to live in his honour.   

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