Clayton Lewis Kennedy

February 24, 1936 - December 4, 2022
Clayton Lewis Kennedy was born on February 24, 1936 to Myrtle Gillis and Ken Kennedy. He was raised in the town of Rocky Mountain House where he spent his childhood with his older brother and best friend, Larry. Clayton attended secondary school in Rocky Mountain House and high school in Red Deer. Never one to shy away from a get together, Clayton enjoyed many social dances at the IOOF Hall. It was at one of these Saturday night dances in 1957, where he met his future wife, Luella Ahlstrom. Some say "love at first sight" is a fallacy but these two proved that statement wrong. They were happily married on September 7, 1959. They welcomed their first son, Brent in 1961 and their second son, Blake came two years later in 1963. Family meant everything to Clayton and he loved everything that came with it.
Crimson Lake was his home away from home and was where he loved to spend his summers enjoying the company of both family and friends. During the winters, when he was able, he enjoyed skiing, curling and watching his Calgary Flames.
Clayton was an astute businessman. He had an unwavering passion when it came to practicing the art of being an entrepreneur. Beginning with a paper route, Clayton saw the potential of what hard work could bring him from an early age and he never looked back. In 1954, he took over Edwards Garage and his automotive career began. With the help of many great employees, he continued to grow the business over the next 60+ years from the little shop on main street to where it is today. Right up until the day he passed, Clayton was in the store daily checking the mail, greeting employees and customers alike with a kindness and smile that came to define him. Outside of the dealership, Clayton had his hands in various other businesses around Central Alberta and worked with many great people in these endeavors. There was never a dull moment.
If Family and Business were Clayton's first two loves, Rocky Mountain House was his third. He loved this community and invested himself into it as such. He had served on Town Council, was a lifetime member of the Kinsmen, sat on the board of the Chamber of Commerce, served on the Pinehills Golf Club Executive, participated as a member of the Rocky Flying Club and Civil Air Search and Rescue Association and was an honorary lifetime member of the Rocky Mountain House Agricultural and Stampede Association, among other boards and organizations. Outside of the community, Clayton was quite involved in the automotive industry. He served as the President of the Motor Dealers Association of Alberta, was chairmen and member of the AMA board, was on the General Motors of Canada Dealer Council and contributed to progressive changes that were paramount to the growth of the industry that he loved.
In their golden years, Clayton and Luella enjoyed escaping the cold Alberta winters to Mazatlán, Mexico. Clayton's love for hosting a good party helped him and Luella adopt and establish a second community of family and friends south of the border. He truly believed it was 5:00 somewhere.
Clayton finally retired for good on December 4, 2022 as he passed away with family by his side. He is survived by his loving wife and life-long dance partner of 63 years, Luella. His son Brent (Mary), four grandchildren: Ashley (Grant), Zachery (Laura), Peter (Nicole) and Stephen (Lori); 12 great grandchildren. His sister in-law Claire Kennedy and brothers in-law: Wayne (Joyce) Ahlstrom, Laverne (Coral) Ahlstrom, Raymond (Hazel) Ahlstrom and Garth (Aline) Ahlstrom. As well as many nieces and nephews.
Clayton was predeceased by his son Blake, his brother Larry Kennedy, his parents Myrtle Gillis and Ken Kennedy and in-laws Vic and Ida Ahlstrom.
A Funeral Service for the Late Clayton Kennedy will be held from the Rocky Church of the Nazarene, Rocky Mountain House on Monday December 12, 2022 at 1:30 P.M. Interment at the Pine Grove Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Rocky Mountain Health Care Centre or to a charity of donor's choice.
Condolences may be forwarded to: www.rockyfuneralhome.ca
Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements, 403-845-2626.



Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes