Kenneth John Chekerda

The eldest child of John and Mary Chekerda, Ken along with his two brothers and sister grew up on a grain farm near Redwater, Alberta. Ken loved sports and in 1967 came in 2nd at the Alberta Provincial Games for the 250 yd. dash. Hard work in the fields picking rocks nurtured an interest in minerals and mining. After graduating from NAIT, Ken ventured to southeastern BC to work as a surveyor and later a mine planner. Golf, curling, baseball and skiing were his passions, but not swimming. Ken always said, “I swim like an axe handle”. While ski patrolling at the local hill he literally collided with his future soul mate, Lonnie Maudy. They married a year later. In 1981, the young couple moved to Beaumont, Alberta when Ken joined the Coal Mining Research Center in Devon. During those years, Ken and Lonnie were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Lia and Brenna.

In 1986, when Lonnie’s job transferred north to Fort McMurray, Ken felt it was his turn to follow her. During their 23 years in the north, Ken worked as a mine planner, drilling supervisor, negotiator and mining specialist. Ken was most proud of his work with the team creating the CAT 400 ton 797 truck, which he was honoured to name. Ken especially enjoyed working with the local First Nations.

Throughout his career, Ken was an active member of the Canadian Institute of Mining (CIM). He served as chairman of the local Oilsands branch, where he excelled at organizing technical meetings and social events, like the annual curling fun spiel and golf tournament. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Fort McMurray Golf Club. For his CIM service, Ken was awarded a Fellowship and in 2009, he won the Coal Award. Ken was a strong supporter of the CIM Foundation which encourages careers in the mining industry, as well as, education of industry participants and the general public.

In 2009, Ken and Lonnie realized their dream of the Island life when they retired to Sooke, BC. Gardening, travel, friends and family filled those happy years.

Our beloved Ken was devoted to his family and friends. He will be dearly missed by his wife Lonnie and their two daughters Brenna and Lia (Michael). Poppa Ken cherished his two grandsons, Benjamin and Thorin, and we know he will be watching over them as they grow up. Ken is also survived by his dear mother Mary, his wonderful siblings Larry (Joanie), Chris and Colette (Darwin) and their families. Ken was predeceased by his father John and his sister-in-law Jacquie.

The family would like to sincerely thank the BC ALS Society, the incredible VIHA nurses and

Dr. Anton Rabien for all the assistance, kindness and care they have provided for Ken, especially during this past year.

There will be no service by Ken’s request. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:

ALS Society of BC

https://www.alsbc.ca/donate/

CIM Foundation:

http://www.cmmf72.org

… or a charity of your choice.

“Be easy to love, hard to break and impossible to forget.” - JmStorm