We Remember

CHORNEY, Kenneth

August 3, 1946 — August 31, 2025

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Ken Chorney, who left us suddenly and peacefully at the Brandt Creek Mews Care Centre in Kelowna, B.C., at the age of 79.

Born in 1946, Ken was a good man — a true gentleman. He was smart, had a great sense of humour, was gentle, kind, and humble.

While attending the University of Manitoba, where he earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree, Ken worked for the Canadian National Railway. Upon graduation, he continued his career with CNR and later VIA Rail, dedicating more than 32 years of service to the railway.

Ken was deeply committed to his colleagues through union leadership. He served as President of Local 1874 of the United Transportation Union (UTU), Local Chairman of the Passenger and Conductor Union, and, in the 1980s, was a proud member of the Committee to Maintain the Caboose. He approached these responsibilities with complete engagement and genuine care for the members he represented.

Ken and Deb enjoyed their cottage in Minaki, Ontario, before settling in Kelowna, B.C., where they spent the past decade enjoying the peaceful beauty of the Okanagan.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Phyllis Chorney, and his best canine friend, Jake. Ken will be missed by his loving wife, Deborah Walsh; his sisters, Beverly Cohen and Judy Chorney; his nieces and nephews, Lori Cohen, Lesley Cohen, Graham Hartwell and great-niece Ever Cohen. In addition to his immediate family, Ken felt fortunate for his extended family through his wife. He took great pride and joy in Kelli (Ryan), Tara (Riley) and Ryan (Sarah) and delighted in their children — Jeff, Louise, Eva, and Claire — who lovingly called him “Poppa Ken”, a title he cherished.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who cared for Ken at the Brandt Creek Mews Care Centre, and to friends and family who spent time with Ken at his new home. These visits meant the world to him. A special thank you to Louise Orr for her unfailing assistance.

Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Ken’s Life will be arranged and announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society or to a charity of choice, in Ken’s memory.

Rest in Peace, dear Ken.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

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The Winnipeg Humane Society Link: www.winnipeghumanesociety.ca

 


 


Condolences

  • Ken Ball says:
    September 17, 2025 at 5:43 pm

    Met Ken when he was attending Commerce at the U Of M.
    He was such a character – we shared an apartment together after we graduated.
    As often happens we lost touch – partied hearty in those years – great guy..
    Ken Ball

    Reply
  • ted stewart says:
    October 21, 2025 at 9:07 am

    so sad of ken’s passing – seems only like yesterday

    Reply

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Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke

I liked the personal treatment given to my mother who is 97 years old. As her representative, I found Springfield employees pleasant and sincere, helpful and knowledgeable. Something I didn’t know, was that the funeral home would help me get through the paperwork need at this time. I am very thankful for that.

Janice Cornell

Genuine concern, excellent service, very professional. Since this was my first experience (with a funeral home), everything was above and beyond what I expected.

Randy Hatanaka

Thank you to your team for your kindness to me at a very challenging time.  You have now taken care of both of my parents with professionalism and care.

Nancy Farran

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Timothy Morio Tahara

I am not sure there was anything you could have done to make a very intense emotional time less stressful.  Although we hadn’t expected Ken to want a service, when he said we needed to have one for us not him, it was true.  Your sincerity and compassion meant everything to us.  Thank you.

Gwen Harvie

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