CHALLONER, Kenneth Jeffery
1931 – 2025
Jeff Challoner died peacefully on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Red Deer Hospice, at the age of 94.
Jeff is dearly missed by his wife, Shirley; son, David (Carole); daughter, Heather (Greg); and son, Kevin
(Paige); along with eight grandchildren: Anna, Grace, Ella, Sophie, Marcus, Cai, Mateo, and Talia. He is
lovingly remembered by his sister-in-law, Loes; nieces, Hilary (Scott and son Kaden) and Pam (Jeff); as
well as his British family abroad: Linda, Caroline, Sally, and Jack. Jeff was predeceased by his brother,
Peter; beloved mother, Myrtle Wilding (Butler); stepfather, Peter; father, Ken; and stepmother, Lia. Jeff
was born in Cheltenham, England, on March 23, 1931. He wrote fondly of his childhood years, recalling
cherished letters from his brother Peter, who had been sent to live with an aunt and uncle while suffering
from diphtheria. Other early memories included trainspotting, playing with Meccano sets, toy trains and
sailboats, and bicycling — all of which laid the groundwork for his lifelong interests. His childhood also
included notable hardship, particularly during World War II, which began when he was just eight years
old. From an early age, religion played a formative role in Jeff’s life. He described going to church as “as
normal as breathing.” As a young teen, he taught Sunday school, and by 17, he was riding his bicycle to
country chapels to deliver sermons as a lay preacher. After public school, Jeff completed a five-year
mechanical engineering apprenticeship and began working as a draftsman. In 1952, at the age of 21, he
made the difficult decision to emigrate to Canada as a form of conscientious objection to military
conscription. He spent 95% of his savings on a boat ticket for the five-day journey aboard the Ascania and
was later joined by his mother and brother. Initially working as a draftsman for CCM in Toronto, Jeff
chose to leave his $50/week job to “take his call from God,” training for the Ministry at United College
in Winnipeg. He was ordained in 1960 and completed postgraduate studies in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
During his career, he served congregations in Vanderhoof, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, and Red Deer
(Gaetz United). Upon his retirement in 1996, he continued to enjoy supply preaching throughout central
Alberta. Jeff married the love of his life, Shirley, in Edmonton in 1964. Dave, Heather, and Kevin were
born soon after, and the family settled in Red Deer in 1974. Jeff had a passion for singing (church choirs
and barbershop quartets), theatre (acting, writing, producing, and directing), trains, and sailing. He became
deeply involved with Central Alberta Theatre, acting in 17 plays and musicals and later performing with
Readers Theatre. He and Shirley loved to travel — visiting Cuba, Mexico, Costa Rica, and several
countries in Europe and Africa. Especially meaningful to him was a pilgrimage to Israel and Palestine in
his 80s. Ever the adventurer, Jeff remained game for ziplining and parasailing, even as a sprightly 80-
year-old. He often joked that he lived 10 years younger than his age — by necessity, since his wife was
10 years younger than he was! Jeff’s family would like to recognize the exemplary care and compassion
provided by the staff of RDRH Unit 32 and the Red Deer Hospice, for which we are deeply grateful. A
Celebration of Life will be held at Sunnybrook United Church, 12 Stanton Street, Red Deer, Alberta on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting MSF (Doctors Without Borders), Sunnybrook United Church, or a charity of your choice, in loving memory of Jeff Challoner — a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

“Caring Community Compassion Since 1999”

6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

• Date : 2025-09-05
• Location : (Red Deer) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com