We Remember
LOCKHART, Kenneth
March 22, 1941 — December 25, 2023
Ken passed away peacefully at home on December 25th, at the age of 82.
Ken was born in Innisfail, AB, and as a lad, he spent three summers at the Vernon Army Cadet camp. This had a huge impact on him and when he went back home to Innisfail, he joined the militia for several years.
At 28 he opened the Laurentide Finance office in Yellowknife, NWT. as the branch manager. This led to a long and successful career in the financial industry. Because of his high performance, he received many awards and trips.
Known for his lighthearted spirit, Ken’s captivating stories and constant shenanigans made him a favourite at any gathering; Children and dogs loved him. He was a hero to his children and a favourite uncle to many of his nieces and nephews.
During his time in Yellowknife, he enjoyed ski-dooing and even won a few trophies. His children’s favourite was being pulled on a sled behind the ski-doo. If Ken was around, you knew you were going to have a good time. Ken loved golfing at Rivershore in the summer and the camaraderie of old-timer’s hockey in the winter. His love for winter retreats to Yuma spanned two decades, a tradition that created adventure and friendships throughout the years.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his beloved wife, Laura; his children and their partners, Roxanne & Michael Varey, Kirbey & Heidi Lockhart, and Kerry Lockhart; Laura’s children and their partners, Melodee Chernoff & Greg Power and Doug & Alison Chernoff; as well as by twelve grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Ken is also survived by Rose Duncan, the mother of his children; three of his siblings, Gail, Lorraine, and Rod; and by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Three of his brothers, Skip, Lyn, and Rich, as well as his sister, Trudy, took the journey to the other side before Ken.
A Celebration of Life to honour Ken will be held in Kamloops, BC at a later date. In celebrating his life, we cherish the laughter he shared and the warmth he brought to our hearts.
Respecting his wishes, Ken has been cremated.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Sorry for your loss Roxanne. and Micheal. I fondly remember the many stories of time spent with your dad. Rest in Peace
Uncle Ken. Auntie Rose. Kirby, Roxanne and Kirby. I remember all you as a family coming to visit Auntie Ann and Uncle Bill and us in Oliver, B.C. Many,many times. And now at the age of 67 I am so glad your parents and our parents made so much effort to keep coonected cuz then we had cuzins…forever…
One if my most vivid memories is of when my mom, your auntie Ann, and I (I was 10), took the Greyhound to the Prairies to visit the Lemko side! We stayed and visited with all the Lemko ‘s….. But what I remember is your dad and mom driving my mom, Auntie Ann, and I, all over Saskatchewan and Alberta so we could visit with auntie Evelyn and uncle Jim, and auntie Stella and Uncle Harry……and any others….it was Easter Break so you kids came, too, obviously. We were all out of school.
I don’t remember what your make and style of car your dad drove,then but it was big and smooth riding. And big because all 7 of us fit! No worrying@bout seatbelts then! It was early April. It was cold. It was often snowing. It was a completely foreign landscape for this kid from mountainous BC but I remember somewhere on one of those road trips, we stopped to get something from a store and your dad gave me 2 quarters…50cents…..it was a fortune to me….i was in awe….i don’t think I ever had thatmuch money before…I can still see my mind’s eye the coins shiny silverness…..I won’t ever forget your dad’s kindness to this niece who didn’t have a clue what was going on! I don’t think I spent those 2 quarters….ever…on that trip….
Uncle Ken lived life and life loved him…..Heaven won’t be the same! It will be so much more fun with Uncle Ken there….and kinder….
Roxanne
you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers – sincere condolences
Karryn
It was a privilege to have you as my father
Dad you were always a sharped dressed man, looking on point here in this picture from Yellowknife
I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Ken in my early years, especially the trip I made to Yellowknife to visit Auntie Rose. He took me on tours, fishing for Pike and it was my first long trip that I made on my own at the age of 20.
Kirbey and family, praying for comfort and a remembrance of all the things you lived about your dad that bring you comfort. He raised a man that was part of my spiritual development and for that I’m grateful.
Hi Guys, Sorry to hear about Uncle Ken!! He was always good to us,
Pops it’s not enough just to say I love you it helps at this time to state how big of an influence you were on me and on my boys. Fire grandpa , as you were known was such a great character and influence on my boys and as far as the influence you were on me Pops it started when we were just young the way you raised us the way you treated us the way you supported us the way you got involved …the way you disciplined us to it all helped shape us into who we are and we’re very proud to have had you as a father.
Love you pops ,
Kerry .
Stan Gillespie
So sorry to hear of my friend and old workmate Ken’s passing.
He was always a fun loving guy and very good at his profession.
Last we saw Ken was at our hotel room in Palm Springs three years ago if I remember right.
He looked real good at that time.
Peggy and my sympathies to the family.
He was quite a guy!!
Sorry to hear about your dad Roxanne it has been many years but have thought of him and your family often take care and send me an email if u like
Laura and Lockhart family so sad and shocked to hear about Ken. We first met Ken when we both ended up wintering in Yuma then later we both ended up in Palm Springs what wonderful times we had,golfing and long card games (sometimes very competitive) what fun it was. Then last year we actually went to Mexico we were so glad he agreed to go he always enjoyed a good time. Will certainly miss him RIP Ken.
Kirbey and Heidi and your family. Condolences to you for your loss. Times such as these are not easy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Vernon Tennis Association
Laura, my sincere condolences to you and your family. I have many happy memories of you, Ken, Willie and I golfing and visiting.. Many laughs and good times. Hope to see you in the spring at the service.
Hazel
I first met Ken when I worked for Laurantides Industrial office in Vernon in the 70’s and Ken was the manager of a Laurantide office in Kelowna.. Our paths crossed many times over the years, being in similar fields of endeavour. Ken was well respected by his peers and customers.
My condolences to his family and Laura.
Harold & Marilyn Lavack