Location: A simple man leading a complicated life....
Exp:
A very powerful message from Ken King. He took a bad situation and chose to speak to others about what he is going through and how we should approach it. He was a brave and courageos and yet human.
Tremendous respect for how he handled his Cancer - "With grace and dignity"
Rest in peace, Ken was my boss for 7 years and he was one of the nicest guys I've ever worked with and ever met. So saddened by his passing. I don't think it will be the same without him at the Dome.
This song by Warren Zevon covered by Bruce makes me think of how Ken lived his life. Most people exist, the tragedy of life is when people don’t live their truest life.
Ken really lived.
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Jim Peplinski still remembers that day some 30 years ago.
The conversation they had.
The greeting they shared, with that forcible grip of the man nearly knocking him off balance and commanding his attention.
Most of all, he remembers the coaching. The life lessons. The irreversible bond between himself and one of the city's great change-makers that wouldn't have been possible without a mutual vision for Calgary.
Ken King had that kind of impact on everyone he met, shook hands with, or even said a quick 'hello' to.
"He was the publisher of the Calgary Sun at the time," Peplinski said, reflecting on his buddy's life-well-lived. "I was pitching him through the Sun to participate in a philanthropic initiative and he said, 'Well, which of the three categories is it?' I said, 'What do you mean?' And he said, 'Sit down. I'm going to give you lesson.'
"I was like, 'OK…'
"He says, directly, 'In any type of philanthropy, there are three categories. One is commercial, and that's where you're pitching me the opportunity to advertise. The second is quid pro quo - you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours. The third? That's completely philanthropic. I'm going to give you some money and I shouldn't expect anything in return other than supporting the cause.'
"I said, 'Wow, I'd never thought of it like that before.'
"That's how it always was with Ken. I'd hang up the phone, or leave a meeting with him like I did that day, and think to myself: 'Damn, I never thought of it like that! I've got to think about it.'
"And I did. Hundreds and hundreds of times."
King - a giant in the Alberta sporting community, the longtime leader of Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, a husband, father, and trailblazer for so many - passed away last March at the age of 68 after a battle with cancer.
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Yes it was. What a beautiful person. Thought his tribute and the Joey Moss one were really well done. Teared up watching both of them.
Like I've said numerous times, I didnt always agree with King's ideas concerning the team in various areas (CalgaryNEXT specifically), but in no way does that demean him as a person.
The man was larger than life and we as fans, a team, a City are worse off for his absence.
Beautiful person. Well said.
__________________ The Beatings Shall Continue Until Morale Improves!
This Post Has Been Distilled for the Eradication of Seemingly Incurable Sadness.
If you are flammable and have legs, you are never blocking a Fire Exit. - Mitch Hedberg
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This is the first thing I thought of too, but couldn't figure out a way to say it properly...well done.
I miss Ken. Didn't know him at all, but miss his presence in the organization. This would be a great day for Ken, I think,
Totally. I didn’t always agree with Ken, but I respected him and what was unquestionable was his passion for the city and the franchise.
I met him once in Saskatoon at a pre-season game, and the only thing I can say is he seemed as genuine and authentic as he always presented himself when dealing with the media.
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It was really well done, and whoever made it has great taste in music.
