Obituary of Arlene FLOCK

Arlene Joy Flock McKen July 1, 1947 – July 18, 2014 Effervescent, deeply loyal, and wildly creative, Arlene Joy Flock McKen was a force of nature who died very suddenly of a heart attack while holidaying with her Theta sorority sisters on Pender Island, BC. An award winning and highly respected Calgary entrepreneur, mentor and community builder, she was renowned for bringing people together to make joyful things happen. Whether she was building a successful business in Flagworks, hiking and skiing in her beloved mountains, devising novel fund raising projects or throwing memorable parties, her friends and co-workers were accomplices in her great vision of life. Arlene nurtured lifelong friendships in all the corners of the world and loved adventure. Trekking to Machu Picchu, sailing and diving the Caribbean, touring China with a group of Calgary’s women executives and heli-skiing in British Columbia were only a few of her conquests. With her adored husband Bill McKen she continued to fill her passport with exotic destinations. Their home in Puerto Vallarta has been a haven for family and friends and a base for extended visits with Calgary’s expat community in Mexico. Their Windermere deck is a preferred site for crowded celebrations, most recently her birthday on July 1. Born in Edmonton and educated at the University of Alberta, Arlene Webber began her career in her family’s manufacturing company. She moved to Calgary in the mid 1980s, marrying into the Flock family. Arlene acquired and grew Flagworks from a single flag shop to a multi-faceted international enterprise, counting her co-workers amongst her closest friends. A community-minded business women, she founded the Business Diversity Council and Equinox Group of Calgary, and the Chickwagon, the first all-female sponsored Stampede chuckwagon entry. She belonged to a number of influential organizations, including the International Women’s Forum. In 2013, the Women’s Executive Network honoured her as one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada. Arlene is survived by her husband Bill McKen, son-in-law Aaron McKen and granddaughter Julie McKen of Waterdown, Ontario; daughter-in-law Marsha Kelly (McKen) and husband Martin Kelly, grandchildren Maryn, Jack and Madelyn Kelly of London Ontario; and scores of devastated friends and colleagues. A Celebration of Arlene Flock McKen’s life will be held on Thursday, August 7 at 5PM at the Calgary Golf and Country Club, 1½ blocks west of the intersection of Elbow Drive and 50th Avenue SW. In the tradition of her Mexican wedding to Bill in 2010, please wear your summer whites but no denim. If flowers are your gesture of choice, bring a bouquet to help fill the box of Arlene’s 1947 Ford pickup. Parking is limited; please car pool or use the overflow parking and shuttle at McInnis and Holloway on Elbow Drive and 50th Avenue SW Contributions in honour of Arlene Flock McKen’s memory can be made to The Alpine Club of Canada, http://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/financial-donations. Condolences may be forwarded through www.hffs.com.