January 24, 2025
Kenneth Ian David Jefferson, late of Regina, SK, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 24, 2025. He was predeceased by his parents Clarence and Freda (Friend) Jefferson, his brother Bob Jefferson, and sister Gwen Wyatt. Ken is lovingly remembered by his wife Rose and son Brent of Regina, son Kelly, his partner Erin and daughter Mira of Hamilton, Ontario, Tami and Mya Rogers of Regina and many relatives and friends, including members of the music community in Regina.
Ken was born in Regina and lived there his entire life. After attending high school, he studied drafting and worked briefly at Pilkington Glass, where he met Rose in 1961. He also worked in advertising for CKCK Radio during the 1960’s.
Ken’s career in music as a piano player, band leader, composer and educator spanned over 50 years. He started Jefferson and Young Music Studios with partner Don Young in 1970, then moved to his home studio in the early 1980’s where he taught hundreds of piano students until 2016.
For over 20 years, Ken’s band performed as part of the Buffalo Days Summer Exhibition. His band played for a week at the Saskatchewan Pavillion during Expo 86 in Vancouver with vocalist Deborah Lauren. He accompanied many notable artists including Ray St. Germain, Gordie Tapp, Bobby Vinton, Colleen Peterson, Wilf Carter and Glory-Anne Carriere. Ken also composed music for films, events, talk shows and television series including the Saskatchewan Summer Games, Celebrate Saskatchewan, Big Sky Country and Eye on Saskatchewan.
In 2008, after the encouragement of friend Les Pavelick (Metro), Ken recorded his first solo piano CD, called Piano Favourites.
Ken was an important part of Saskatchewan’s musical landscape for decades and will be fondly remembered for his love of music, which was infectious to all who saw or heard him perform.
A Celebration of Ken’s Life will be held in the spring/summer of 2025 (details to follow). In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of your choice in Ken’s memory would be greatly appreciated.
Sherwood Park AB Canada
Kenny, you will be missed.
I have known you my whole life, and I have so many cherished memories of listening to you play the piano. So many Christmases and birthday parties together, late nights eating Chinese food at our house, and you always being the jokester. You were more than a friend—you were family. My parents could always count on you, and your friendship meant the world to them.
Bubba, Kelly, and Brent, I am so sorry for your loss.
Your family is our family, and we are holding you in our hearts.
With love,
Andy Pandy and family
Regina Saskatchewan Canada
I met Ken in 1960 when I attended Martin Collegiate. At that time, Ken was the pianist for the Martin Dance Band, mentored by Hugh Gucker, the music teacher at the time. Over the next 60 odd years, our band would share a stage with "Jefferson", one of the top local bands for many years. I used to quip that, when we followed them on stage, there were no more notes to play - Ken used them all. What a player!. Ken used to provide background music at some of the functions I attended. I once requested him to play "Under Paris Skies" because it had a lot of different chord changes. True to form, he nailed it. My condolences to his family. The whole musical community will miss him. Rest easy Ken.
Vancouver BC Canada
Deepest condolences to Mr. Jefferson's family and friends. I was a student of Ken’s for many years. I was ready to give up playing the piano until my Mother arranged lessons with Ken. He changed my life by making piano interesting and fun again. I will forever be grateful. Thank you Ken!
Sandra Rublack
Regina Saskatchewan Canada
Rose, Brent, Kelly and families. We are so sorry to hear of Ken's passing. Ken was such a terrific guy and a wonderful musician and always so kind and friendly when we would run into each other. Ken never hesitated to be generous with his time and talents when asked for fundraising contributions. Regina has lost a wonderful talented friend. Our sincere sympathies.
Abbotsford Bc Canada
My sincere condolences to Ken’s family. Ken was my fantastic piano teacher. I always think of Ken when I play Floyd Kramer’s Last Date…… now I’ll have a sadness in my heart. He was a really great guy. There are many of us who will have wonderful memories of happy times at the piano keys with Ken.
Regina Sask Canada
Rose, Brent, & Kelly I am saddened to hear of Ken’s passing and wish to express my deepest sympathy. Blaine valued Ken’s friendship over many years. He was a special person and will be missed. Beryl Ledingham
Regina SK CA
We are very sad to hear about Ken’s passing. John always enjoyed taking lessons from him. The bonus was it was a short walk!
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Gertie Gordon
Regina Beach Sk Cda
My time spent with Ken, just listening and enjoying will stay in my heart forever. He always knew how to make me feel special and a part of his scene. I will miss him greatly.
Regina Saskatchewan Canada
Rose, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of Ken. Ken was not only a great musician, he was a friend, a teacher and music influencer in Regina. You both were so kind when Bill passed away. Ken's sense of humour and kindness was always evident when he saw many of the people he knew. He was so proud of you Rose and the kids and always had a story and an update whenever I saw him.
My sincerest condolences to you and your family for your loss. Shirley
Regina Saskatchewan Canada
My deepest sympathy to you Rose and your family. I will always remember Ken bringing me coffees at the pharmacy while we had some great chats about music. He will be missed.
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