This notice is from the archives of The Notice Board. Information contained in this notice was accurate at the time of publication but may no longer be so.
The University of Lethbridge extends its sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Rob Kern, who passed away on Saturday, May 14 at the age of 47.
Kern was a longtime U of L employee who started working as a duplicating equipment operator in Printing Services in 1993. In 2001, he moved to the Caretaking Department where he was a maintenance worker until 2006. Kern then joined the Sport and Recreation Services (S&RS) team as a facilities assistant, where he quickly became a key team member. He worked his way up to facility operator, where his responsibilities included the pool, the fitness centre and the gym during major events.
“He’s the one with all the knowledge. He knew how to do everything and he’s going to be missed,” says Colleen Sullivan, S&RS assistant manager, programs. “He was usually fairly quiet and he worked very hard. Rob was a jack of all trades and could work on all types of equipment.”
In his spare time, Kern rebuilt motorcycles and loved to ride them. He was also a wine connoisseur and a person who cared for both his elderly father and an elderly family friend.
In addition to his wife and three children, Kern will be sorely missed by his brother Michael, who is also a U of L employee in Materials Management.
“They were very close,” says Sullivan. “His family was his pride and joy.”
“He was very well-liked by the entire sport and recreation team and he had a lot of friends on campus,” says Ken McInnes, executive director of Sport and Recreation Services.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 6 and 7 p.m. on Friday, May 20 at Martin Brothers, located at 610 4 St. S. A memorial service has been scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21 at McKillop United Church, located at 2329 15 Ave. S. The U of L flag will be lowered Saturday in honour of Kern.
Contact:
caroline.zentner | caroline.zentner@uleth.ca