Ken Tjaden came from a farming family led by his grandparents, who moved two miles east of Sperling — still a Tjaden homestead — in the 1900s from Illinois. Anna and John followed that lead while welcoming six children onto the farm: Helen, Mona, Bob, Jim, Bill and, on March 27, 1943, Ken, the youngest.
The Carman Beavers captured two SEMHL championships and a MAHA title with Ken Tjaden as a valued teammate
He attended all 12 grades in his hometown — the last class to graduate from Sperling — and, a natural athlete, immersed himself in sports. He especially enjoyed Sports Day each spring and representing Sperling School at many meets for track, bonspiels and tournaments for hockey and ball.
After graduation he enrolled in agriculture and played hockey for the Carman Beavers. He carpooled as a team rookie in ’63 but went on to play nine reliable seasons, win two league titles and one provincial title, and was named captain from 1969-73.
With his diploma in hand, Ken’s first job was with Feed-Rite. Yet you can take the boy out of Sperling, but you can’t take Sperling out of the boy. He married his school classmate Marlene Duvenaud in 1965, and two years later he was back in Sperling to begin his farming career — first farming with his dad and Bill, then later with in-laws Louis and John.
Between 1968 and ’74, Ken and Marlene had three children: Lynda, Tracy and Brenda.
“We were very fortunate to raise our girls in Sperling as they all have fond memories of growing up there,” said Marlene.
Having kids encouraged Ken to serve as a school trustee from 1974-81 and chair of Midland School Division.
In 1977 they bought their own land and built a home south of town not far from Bill. Two years later they built a laying barn and began egg production.
Agriculture was always an important part of Ken’s life, whether actively farming or providing support to the industry. He became a member of the Manitoba Egg Producers Marketing Board, vice-president of Canadian Egg Producers, chairman of the Canadian Association for Egg Marketing, a founding member and executive of Keystone Agricultural Producers, and chair of the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce ag committee sector.
Work, however, never interfered with his love of sports. Ken enjoyed playing slo-pitch with the Sperling Spinners, rec hockey with the Odds n’ Ends, men’s curling and later golf, eventually serving as club chair in 1999.
“He loved the challenge and lasting friendships that were part of the game, and he shared the gift of sportsmanship with everyone who played with him,” Marlene said.
The farm was eventually sold and Carman became home. Ken worked briefly at A & M Soil before joining Manitoba Pulse Growers as executive manager in the Carman office. The next year he received a Certificate of Merit from the University of Manitoba recognizing outstanding contribution to agriculture and community.
Making time for Marlene and family was never an issue. Trips to the Caribbean, Scotland and the treasured Hawaii holiday left lasting memories before he passed away March 13, 2000, at 57 years young.
That July the Ken Tjaden Memorial Golf Tournament was held. More than 110 golfers participated and raised $11,000 for the Area Foundation, an organization Ken also served as a director.
Family update
Marlene: “I only have one grandchild left in high school, and the rest are in university or working. I live in a community of side-by-side condos just off McGillivray, doing some volunteer work and enjoying retirement.”
Lynda: Took nursing at the University of Manitoba and now works as project manager for Emergency, Trauma and Critical Care for the provincial program in Winnipeg.
Tracy: Took journalism at Carleton University in Ottawa, now living in Victoria and working for an American business.
Brenda: Took agriculture at the University of Manitoba and now runs “Prairie Routes” near Oakbank devoted to helping farmers adapt to climate change.
Memories:
Lorraine (Duvenaud) Hand: “He was a steady hand during seeding and harvest but was especially good at dinner table conversation about all things farming. Ken was a super supportive uncle to our kids, letting them drive farm equipment and toss misshaped eggs at each other. They recreated the old Young farm and the kids loved it there.”
Glenn Peckover: “High school weekend bonspiels were great fun, particularly with Ken, Dale and Sandra. We travelled in the Monarch — the Tjaden family car — which was a frequent weekend party scene. Ken was always a standout on the teams we played together. A talented athlete and a very nice guy.”
Linda MacNair: “I really got to know Ken when we both worked for Manitoba Pulse Growers. Ken was low-key, very easy to get along with and very capable — a delight to work with, and I felt privileged to have the opportunity.”
Dennis Young: “After a hockey game and roadies, Alex McIntosh, George Picton, Ken and I headed to his farm. Well, we had to see the chickens, right? As Ken was explaining the how’s and abouts of eggs, Alex was adding some to his pockets. They did not make it home — Ken gave both pockets a firm slap. Into the house we went laughing hysterically, waking Marlene, who ‘happily’ cooked us some fresh eggs.”
Art Bilodeau: “One thing that comes to mind was the kids’ skating races at the Sperling Carnival where I always came second to him. Many a night after partying we’d go back to Ken’s for eggs. He was always willing to help someone, calm and encouraging, and a great sportsman.”
