Kenneth John Arundell

It was with sadness that I attended the funeral service today for Ken Arundell. Ken was a good friend.

I first met Ken in the lead up to the 1993 federal election when I was in Portage la Prairie. Ken and Ron Roteliuk talked to me about economic development in the area and the opportunities.

After the election in the fall of 1993, when I became the Member of Parliament for Portage-Interlake, I worked closely with Ken and Ron on a whole variety of projects. On one occasion I found I had to sort out some problems left by the former government. On another, I worked closely with Ken to facilitate the development of the Central Plains Community Network. I was actively involved in promoting the development of community internet access sites, and Portage la Prairie was one of the very first such sites in Canada. It was fun pioneering the process together. As usual Ken was creative and helped all to work together to find solutions.

With major projects like the McCains expansion in Portage la Prairie, the Strawboard plant in Elie, and the Simplot plant near Portage, Ken played a critical role in writing or editing proposals and in working closely with Ron to help make things happen.

At the funeral, Ron Roteliuk told of his first meeting with Ken. Ron had just arrived in Portage la Prairie to run Central Plains Inc. In through the door walked Ken. Aged about 22, Ken towered above Ron. He wore a black leather jacket, carried his motorcycle helmet in his hand, and beyond Ken, Ron could see the large motorcycle parked just outside. "I worked here last summer," said Ken "I'm back."

It was not long before Ron recognized the formidable abilities of Ken. They would work together, after that, for more than 30 years, helping to build the economy and the community of Portage la Prairie and surrounding areas.

We will miss you Ken. You made a major contribution and you were a friend to many. Your involvement in the church and in the community and to your family were notable. My condolences to Coralie, Stephen and Becky, and to other family and friends.