Kenneth Charles Wendel

Kenneth Charles Wendel (Chuck) (age 68), of Beach Corner, Parkland County, Alberta, born November 17, 1954, passed away peacefully, and surrounded by loved ones on February 2, 2023, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer and more recently with pneumonia.

Chuck was predeceased by his father, George Edward Wendel, and is survived by mother, Elsie Marie Wendel (nee Koenig), siblings, Larry Wendel (Min), Brian Wendel, Linda Hagen (Tim), Gregory Wendel and Lorne Wendel, and his adored children, Ryan Wendel (Cristina), Curtis Wendel (Samantha), and Mystique Phan (Phi), Doris Wendel (nee Dhoedt), the mother of his children, as well as five grandchildren, Corbin, Caleb, Spencer, Arabella, and Ronin, and his beloved partner Penny Rigney.

In life Chuck was steadfast, quiet, and collected, a son, brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend who could always be counted on to show up, no matter the need. Time spent with his family was his greatest joy. He spoke with his daughter Mystique every day – sometimes more. Any birthday or holiday was a chance to celebrate with his family. Sunday FaceTime with his mother and siblings was something he looked forward to each week.

Chuck had a great sense of adventure and appreciation for fun. For special events he would host family bonfires with fireworks or hide hundreds of easter eggs around his property. Although naturally shy, at age 50 he took up ballroom dancing, without ever having danced before. With his partner Penny he travelled the world. Rome was his favorite place to travel to, with war memorials always on any days agenda no matter the travel destination.

Chuck loved the outdoors, and could often be found outside, bird watching, hiking, or enjoying nature with his partner, or lovingly caring for his acreage property which had no fewer than 75 bird houses at any one time plus innumerable bird feeders.

Chuck did not like to sit still, generally preferring to work patiently and thoughtfully on any number of projects until they were completed. For his career Chuck was a successful bricklayer and site superintendent, working on some of the most iconic buildings in Alberta. Following an early retirement due to a cancer diagnosis, Chuck built bird houses, renovated homes, built shops, fenced and re-roofed buildings – all for loved ones. He took the time and care the job needed. There were, of course, breaks for tours through Home Depot and Canadian Tire (favorite haunts of Chuck’s) as well as Tim Hortons for necessary supplies.

The family is honoring Chuck’s wish to be cremated and to have his ashes scattered at a location in Jasper National Park, a location of many happy memories for him. Chuck greatly valued his privacy in life and there will be no funeral held, at his request.

“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us” – Helen Keller