Obituary of Kenneth Robert Kohut

December 8, 1951 - Souris, Manitoba

January 16, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Kenneth “Ken” Kohut passed away suddenly on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 in Calgary, AB after 72 years of a generous and principled life.

Ken, beloved husband of Mailodys Pérez, was born in Souris, MB on December 8, 1951, the first child of Joan and Harry Kohut. He received his education at Souris Collegiate, graduating in 1969. Ken attended the University of Manitoba, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Mathematics and Computer Science. Ken moved to Calgary in the late 1970s and began work as a systems analyst with the City of Calgary followed by Petro-Canada/Suncor.

Ken enjoyed reading, traveling, music, the outdoors, fishing and visiting with his many friends and family. When you became his friend, you were his friend for life. He was a dedicated environmentalist and outdoorsman, and he advocated strongly for the land and water of Alberta. His passion for fishing was instilled by his father at an early age. Upon moving to Alberta, this passion changed to fly fishing and exploded exponentially. This led to a connection with a vast network of friends.

Many of his favorite moments were spent on the Bow River with his fellow anglers. Ken was instrumental in beginning the Petro-Canada Fly Fishing Club or PCFFC and was a member of both the Trout Unlimited Bow River Chapter and national organization of Trout Unlimited. He was also an active member of the Bow River Trout Foundation.

Fishing took him on many adventures, including locations such as Smithers, Bella Coola, Belize, and Cuba. During one of these trips to Cuba, he landed the most important catch of his life—his wife Mailodys and her daughter Melissa. We all thought he would be a lifelong bachelor prior to this. Next thing you know you find him shopping for little girl’s clothes at the mall. His time with Mailodys and Melissa brought him great joy and happiness.

In 2019 Ken was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. Myeloma is an incurable cancer, but Ken faced it head on. He felt very fortunate to be able to benefit from the world-leading treatment he received in Calgary, and he was an avid supporter and advocate of the Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Blood Services, the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, and the Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation.

Ken is survived by his wife Mailodys and stepdaughter Melissa. He is also survived by his sister Elaine Phillips, brother Tim Kohut (Joan Agnew), sister-in-law Shannon Kohut, mother-in-law Moraima Pérez, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Ken was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Joan, brother Glen, and brother-in-law Randy.

We would like to thank the doctors and nurses on Unit 36 Special Services Building of the Foothills Medical Centre for the compassionate care they provided to Ken during his last days. We would also like to thank his friends who supported, cared for, and watched over him.

Cremation has taken place. At Ken’s request, no formal service will be held.

“Eventually all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.” – Norman Maclean

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: 1 (866) 412-4222. www.albertacancer.ca/memorial, or to a charity of your choice.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ken’s family here.

In living memory of Ken Kohut, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.