STEPHEN THRELKELD 1924-2014

Stephen Trelkeld 1924-2014
Stephen Trelkeld 1924-2014

by Sandy Richardson
” Cheers to a long life, well lived.”
Founding member and former GLSKA President, Stephen Trelkeld, died in Hamilton on January 10, 2014.
Stephen was born in the U.K., December 27, 1924. During WWII, he was in the Home Guard and the RAF. After the War, he worked as a shepherd on Ex-moor (Devon, U.K.) before immigrating to Illinois where he managed a sheep farm. He later completed a BSc and MSc at the University of Alberta and PhD at the University of Cambridge before joining the Department of Biology, McMaster University, as a geneticist in 1961, eventually becoming head of the department. Throughout much of his tenure at McMaster, he also ran a working farm, which included sheep and cattle breeding.
Following his retirement in 1991, he became a published poet, painter, garden steam model railway enthusiast, a hobbyist of remote-controlled model planes, boats and helicopters while continuing his passion for science, philosophy and the arts – among other things! He lived a fully engaged life to the end.

Stephen Threlkeld launching from a beach in Toronto for A Winter Solstice trip
Stephen Threlkeld launching from a beach in Toronto for a Winter Solstice trip.

Having grown up by the sea, Stephen was a life-long lover of water sports and was an avid swimmer, scuba diver, canoeist, wind-surfer, sailor and kayaker. He was a founding member of the Great Lakes Sea Kayaking Association and remained an active member of the club until 2002. He served on the original Board of Directors in 1989, remaining on the board until 1992. He took a year off, and then returned to the board from 1993 through 1997 serving as president from 1994-1997. He was an active trip participant, and organized many club trips over the years, including his much-loved early spring paddles through Hamilton Harbour and Cootes Paradise, followed by a barbecue at his home in Hamilton; he also served as Trip Coordinator from 1991-1992. He led many workshops over the years at Rendezvous, beginning with the first one in 1989; and (endearing himself to the editor) wrote over 20 articles for Qayaq. Thank you Stephen.

Stephen Threlkeld
Stephen Threlkeld (right) participating in GLSKA’s first club trip

A celebration of Stephen’s life was held in the Great Hall at the Faculty Club of McMaster University in Hamilton, on January 17. GLSKA has made a donation to the World Wildlife Fund (as suggested by his family) in Stephen’s memory.

Leave a comment