Tribute to Ken Sylvestre
The Yukon and Alaska cycling community lost one its greatest friends and supporters with the recent passing of Ken Sylvestre. Ken has been part of the volunteer team for the Kluane to Chilkat International Bike Relay from the earliest years. Back in 2002 Ken and his son Ryan worked with Marg White and Linda Stratis to hand-tabulate results in the basement of a church near the finish line. Ken was our computer and database expert, and he brought his expertise as the owner of Sorrento Systems (a small computer data management company in Whitehorse ), while serving for many years as Chief of Results. He began serving as a board member in 2015 and has served as Canadian Treasurer from 2017 until his passing.
The small KCIBR board with both Alaska and Yukon members have become friends, usually meeting in person once a year in the fall to plan for the following year. We are fortunate that we were all able to spend time together this year. We are deeply saddened, but in his carefully organized way, Ken left our Board in excellent shape. We will miss his intelligence, commitment, meticulous organization and sneaky sense of humor. He was such a capable man, and a pleasure to work with.
Ken quietly gave his time, energy and skills to many other sporting organizations, including Yukon Soccer, the Klondike Road Relay, as well as founding the Yukon Trail Marathon with his friends Rick Janowicz and Rob McWilliam. He also was an active member of his community association.
Ken was a born and bred Yukoner raised in Whitehorse. He loved running, cycling and hiking. After his sons were raised, he and Margrit globetrotted around the world, enjoying long hikes and adventures. He truly was an inspiration to us all.
Our heart goes out to his wife Margrit, his two sons Ryan and Kevin and his grandchildren. Thanks for everything, Ken!!