Kenneth Arthur Bye

Kenneth Arthur “Ken” Bye
April 3,1944 - March 26, 2024

A snippet from Ken’s life as I have come to know him over the last 30 years:
Ken passed away suddenly at home in Wetaskiwin on March 26, 2024 at the age of 79 years. He is survived by two daughters, Lisa and family in Las Vegas, Charmaine and  family in Las Vegas;  long time dear friend and confidant, Hilda Van Der Velde. He is also remembered by many friends in the music industry as well as students he taught music to throughout the years.

Ken was honorable and honest to a fault where some took advantage of. He was a private man, however seemed to have a full life.

Music was his life with a memory that never quit. An incredible musician, composer, arranger and teacher. It was a sheer privilege to make music together, he could make anyone sound great!

Ken took music classes by some of the greats - a man dressed in a three piece suit and his Cadillac convertible picked him up after school for music instruction and Violet Archer only to name a few. At a later age he studied at UNLV, earning him a Bachelor of Communication/Psychology, and  three years towards his Masters Degree. He played pretty much in every big lounge in Las Vegas and hung out at the dinner table with some of the greats. Just to name a few: incredible accordianist at the time Dick Contino,Jon Voight and daughter Angelina Jolie, Louis Prima and Sam Butera. Louis Prima offered Ken a “on the road” music tour but felt he had to turn it down because he had family to take care of.

He had a music store which he absolutely loved but was unfortunately destroyed by fire. Ken worked morning radio shows, could imitate artists and  was well known as “Gertrude”.  Ken had plenty of musical heroes, from as early as Beethoven to present day musicians. 

He lived in many beautiful places including B.C.,  Alberta, California , Las Vegas and as the honorable man and son he moved back to Alberta in 1985 to help his parents until they passed away. 

Ken is now with his Lord and Savior which he came to accept and acknowledged in the last little while.
Rest well and in peace our dear friend.  Going Home...   Going Home...

According to Ken’s wishes a graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Forest Home Cemetery, (Highway 53, 5110- 67 St. Ponoka, Alberta). Donations if desired can be made to his estate or a music institution.

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