Mark Fredrick Kihn

Mark was born on May 5, 1960 in Dryden, Ontario. As the fourth of six children, Mark was in the middle of the fun in a natural wonder of marshes, meadows and forests. This was his introduction to a lifelong love of exploration and the outdoors.

In spring 1966 the family moved a farm near Minnedosa, Manitoba with a beautiful lake running through it. His education began in a local school and continued in Minnedosa where he graduated from Minnedosa Collegiate Institute in 1978.

In 1978 Mark entered journalism studies at Valparaiso University in Indiana as one of only two Canadian students on campus. He attacked college life with zest, edited the University newspaper and provided colour commentary on Crusaders basketball broadcasts. Mark was a menacing defender on the school’s NCAA soccer team.

Graduating with an undergraduate degree in Journalism in April 1982, Mark applied his craft with a smaller beef trade publication near Lacombe. Soon after, he moved to the larger Charolais Banner, buying and becoming publisher in a few short years. Mark moved his business to Calgary and bought a home near Nose Hill Park in Calgary where he lived for the remainder of his life.

In the 1990s he hired Laureen Teskey, a bright marketing and graphics design specialist. Laureen was dating a young economist named Stephen Harper, who she married. And so began Mark’s association with a family that gave him such personal and professional satisfaction. He was “Uncle Mark” to Rachel and Ben and loved the Harpers. Stephen recognized Mark’s drive and skill at connecting with people, hiring Mark to work at the National Citizen’s Coalition. Mark jumped with both feet into the world of public advocacy and later, politics.

In 2004 Mark joined Stephen’s team full time to support his successful Prime Ministerial bid. Mark never had an official title working with Prime Minister Harper, no business card, a fact of which Mark was quite proud.

Mark was a brilliant fundraiser, establishing models that continue to benefit the Party today. He exhibited an open, honest approach in everything he did, and had a work ethic to make his projects successful.

Christian faith was a core part of Mark. He was a leading light at Foothills Lutheran Church in Calgary. In recent years he volunteered with Samaritan’s Purse on missions including hurricane flood relief in Houston.

In October 2022, Mark noticed he didn’t feel quite right inside and was diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer three months later. He was advised he had six months left but managed 17 months after the diagnosis in his brave battle.

In his last two years he was blessed with the extraordinary care given by friends Ken Greenfield, Tim and Tracy Roth. He became a brother to these loving people, who were with him at his lowest times.

The cancer defeated Mark’s body but his spirit will carry on. His church family, hundreds of people that connected with him and most of all his family, grieve his loss.

Mark Fredrick Kihn is survived by sisters Helga (nee Kihn) Jensen of Camrose, Linda (nee Kihn) Zibin of Port Alberni and brothers David (Edmonton), Tim (Fort Saskatchewan) and Ron (Winnipeg), along with their spouses and significant others.

Nephews and nieces are Carolyn Davis (Port Alberni), Jason Jensen (Edmonton), Aaron Jensen (Camrose) Kristin Ross (Edmonton), Janet Kirkwood (St Albert), Ben Kihn (Smoky Lake), Jonathan Kihn (Tofino), Nathaniel Kihn (Sherwood Park), Lucas Kihn (Sherwood Park), Rachel Antoniw (Fort Saskatchewan). Eight great grandnieces and nephews also feel the loss of their Uncle Mark.

He is predeceased by parents Ida (nee Freier) Kihn and Alfred Kihn of Didsbury and nieces Elizabeth (nee Zibin) Platz of Port Alberni and Hannah Zibin of Ponoka.

Relatives and friends are invited to the funeral on Monday, July 29, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., at Foothills Lutheran Church, 3104-34 Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta. Viewing will begin at 1:00 pm. The service will be streamed on Foothills’ Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/foothillslutheran.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to Samaritan’s Purse International Relief: https://secure.samaritanspurse.ca/Donation.