John (Gary) King, September 27, 1943 – April 20, 2022

It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of the beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Gary King on April 20, 2022 at the age of 78 years.

Left to cherish Gary’s memory is his wife Elaine of 55 years, daughter Tanis (Jon) Rivard, son Jason (Sheralyn) King; his grandchildren Cameron, Mikah, Regan Rivard, and Riley, Sydney, Blair King; his siblings Marlene (Kori) Olsen, Elaine Ellefson, Beverly (Gerry) Sivertson, Patricia (David) King, Keith (Dorothy) King, Martin (Zoe)King; sisters in law Tammy King and Donna French; brother in laws Rodney (Lyn) Jouan,and Alan (Marieann) Jouan; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins,and dear friends.

Gary was predeceased by his parents Isabelle & John King, brothers Doug, Brian, and Donald King, and brother in law Garth Ellefson.

Fifty–five years of a shared life seemed to happen at warp speed. Early years, as is for all couples, are busy times,–new homes, new jobs, children arriving, involvement in children’s activities, graduations, marriages, and grandchildren. Gary’s big move for our family was to start his own company–King’s Meter Services which refocused our future. Long hours and dedicated quality service was his motto, Joann Nan (Gary’s trusted office manager of 25 years) and I often laughed that Gary spent more hours with her than he did with me—daylight hours that is!

We loved camping and traveled a lot. Our first mode of travel was a shell of a tent trailer, moving up to a motorhome, finally cruise ships and flying to distant lands. Sometimes Tanis and Jason were included in the itinerary other times we were on our own. The only continent we have missed is Antarctica but we were close when we rounded the tip of South America.

In the early 2000’s, we discovered RV life in a park model trailer, settling in Indio, California. We loved our tiny winter home. Gary enjoyed golf with the boys, followed by a hearty happy hour with lots of laughter and a chance to win a buck or to on the side bet; throw in some shuffleboard, dinner parties, social outings and the calendar was full.

Being outdoors was important to Gary, especially the farm. We camped in the wilderness, fished in Slave Lake and the river at the farm. He would jump on a quad and roam the farm, looking for deadfall that would interfere with the hay cutting consequently piling up firewood for weiner roasts and campfires. He was always spotting signs of wildlife as hunting season was his favorite. Our little cabin often hosted several hunters, each leaving with a plan as to the best spot to sight the best animals. However, often all we needed to do was watch from our deck as they trimmed the hedge and nibbled on the best kept lawn and flowerbeds on the riverhill.

Sports too were important–playing hockey in his younger years, a family ball team and curling with a King’s team in oilfield bonspiels, hockey with Jason, even figure skating with Tanis, now following his grandchildren’s endeavors. He was an expert couch-chair coach. The TV remote

was the best, he could watch numerous games all at once and when he learned to text, there were little side-line bets on games with Riley.

Gary enjoyed early coffee and reading numerous newspapers. He knew the weather forecasts, gas prices and routinely checked out the obituaries. Gary, we hope we have done you proud and that you can read these words. We love you, leaving us much too early, there were things to do and places yet to see.

In 1977, Gary founded King’s Meter Services (Red Deer) Ltd. A true entrepreneur starting with one truck and one prover, Gary had a unique sense for business utilizing his knowledge and skills of the Oil & Gas industry. Reputation and quality were everything to Gary, never taking shortcuts he grew King’s Meter into a successful instrumentation and valve servicing company. 45 years later his legacy continues to operate as Kings Energy Services Ltd. Many people knew Gary throughout the industry, even in retirement you would see him helping with turnarounds, hot shots, yard maintenance or wherever he felt he could support the best, he always made himself available. The King’s Meter family is extensive, Gary touched many lives throughout the years his presence, leadership, knowledge, and guidance will never be forgotten but will be deeply missed.

Gary was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather always making himself available for whatever was required. After retirement, he was often found babysitting grandchildren (nap time was his favorite), or providing taxi services which often included a trip to A&W.

Gary was well known for his quirky sense of humor and his many memorable sayings. One of his favorites being “As long as I remember, I will never forget”. Gary, we will always remember you, and certainly never forget, rest in peace.

Funeral arrangements to be determined at a later date, an open casket viewing will be held on April 27th, 2022 at the Eventide Funeral Home, 4820 45 St, Red Deer from 2-4pm for anyone wishing to attend. Condolences may be left at www.eventidefuneralchapels.com. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the charity of your choice.

• Date : 2022-04-20
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home