In Memory Of

Sydney Gilbert Kanten

Mar 16, 1955 - Sep 17, 2024

Service

  A celebration of Syd’s life will take place at a future date.

Notice

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions to Canadian Blood Services would be appreciated by the family. Please visit give.blood.ca or call 1 613 739-2339.

Obituary

In the early morning hours of September 17, 2024, while the Northern Lights danced in the sky, our husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Syd Kanten departed this world for his next adventure. He passed peacefully, with people he loved, after a brief and valiantly fought battle with leukemia.


Sydney Gilbert Kanten was born on March 16, 1955 in Innisfail, Alberta to devoted parents Leonard and Toots Kanten. Sonja and Buzz gained a little brother and in time, an older brother for Alty, Nigel and Audrey. Syd was raised in Caroline and lived in the area his entire life. He loved living here and never grew tired of the beauty and scenery of the area. He lived a loving, rich and fulfilling childhood that brimmed with animated stories, experiences and mischievous adventures. We enjoyed hearing about all of the antics that made up these times. Several years ago, he was given a blank journal by his children and asked that he record all of his stories so that his grandchildren and family could enjoy them in the future. Syd enjoyed completing this collection of stories and added his trademark cartoons to almost each and every account. We now have a wonderful and most treasured anthology of his childhood that will forever be cherished.


Syd was a talented man whose interests and abilities were vast. He was exceptionally gifted in drawing and cartooning and many people have keepsakes of his talents. Under many a home’s shingles, house wrap or inside the drywall (while building homes with his Dad) are souvenirs of Syd’s “artwork.” Some of which should probably best be kept out of sight! Syd was an admirer of the natural beauty of our landscapes and wildlife; he was able to express this love and respect through his antler carvings, antler lamps and log and pine root furniture that he lovingly created. Syd was a skilled hunter, trapper and fisherman who shared his love and knowledge with his family and friends. He was a conservationist at heart and one of the most ethical men when dealing with wildlife. When engaged in these activities, we were taught to only take what we needed and that there was only one way to do things; the right way. Syd had a way with animals and was gifted in training his dogs and in the bonds they formed with each other. Evidence of this was with the loving attachment that he had with all of his dogs; especially his terrier, Bart. He was rarely ever seen sitting without a cat on his lap or a dog by his side. Syd was a self-taught musician and could play numerous instruments; the mandolin being his favorite. Jam sessions and music get-togethers were a favorite pastime and many friendships were born or strengthened while playing tunes together.


Syd had many careers over his lifetime. He worked on the rigs in the early years, volunteered on the Caroline Fire Department, trapped and sold furs in the winter, built houses with his Dad in the summer months and team roped in local rodeos on his horse, Bud. He worked vegetation control, line locating and pest control in his later years. For nearly 20 years, Syd worked for Alberta Fish and Wildlife in the Conservation Education sector while managing the Hunter Education camp at Alford Lake. Teaching thousands upon thousands of students from across Alberta in the safe handling of firearms, wildlife identification and management and wilderness survival was a passion for him. So often, while out and about, people would stop and say, “I remember you from the hunter ed camp when I was a kid!” Syd loved that! For the past 11 years, Syd worked at the family Feed Store. He was integral in the operations and enjoyed every moment while visiting, sharing a story or tale and connecting with the customers.


While in high school, and much to his sister Sonja’s encouragement, Syd asked out the girl that would become his everything. Syd and Donna (Katona) were together for five years before they were married on June 11, 1976. In their over 53 years together, they were inseparable. They created a family together with the birth of their son, Tyler in 1979 and daughter, Lindsey in 1985. They were best friends who were also partners in business, hunting companions who experienced successful hunting trips throughout the province, motorbike excursionists who shared many thousands of miles together on the open roads and, most importantly, grandparents who delighted in every single moment spent with their grandsons and granddaughter.


Syd was not only an amazing husband- he was literally the world’s best Dad. He loved his kids, unconditionally, and would drop whatever he was doing if they needed a hand. He was their biggest fan and offered his insight, encouragement and wisdom when needed. He left a legacy and example of how a person should treat the ones he loves.


Syd leaves behind, with heavy hearts, his wife; Donna, son; Tyler, daughter; Lindsey and grandchildren; Thomas, Westyn and Lillian. His sisters; Sonja (Clayton) Haney, Alty Kanten, foster sister Audrey (Lenard) Crookedlegs, and brother; Nigel Kanten. He also leaves behind his mother-in-law; Rosie Katona, brother-in-law; Garry Katona, sisters-in-law Diane (Darrel) Jaycock and Darlene Katona, many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Syd was predeceased by his parents; Leonard and Toots Kanten, brother; Buzz Kanten, father-in-law; Les Katona and sister-in-law; Jo-Ann Katona.


A celebration of Syd’s life will take place at a future date. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions to Canadian Blood Services would be appreciated by the family. Please visit give.blood.ca or call 1 613 739-2339.
Condolences may be forwarded to www.rockyfuneralhome.ca.
Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.

Condolences

Pat Jacobsen:

So sorry to hear Syd has died. I hardly know what to say. He was a great guy, thankfully suffering now ended. I send my love to Donna and all the extended family.

Norman and Veva Rose:

To Donna, Tyler and Lynsey
So sorry for your loss of Syd. Our thoughts are with you.

Dean :

My sincere condolences just don’t seem to be enough. You all have been part of the family before Donna And Syd’ wedding I have loved you both from then on as I watched your family grow. Tyler and Lyndsay since they were babies. And oh so cute. Same as with the grands. I have enjoyed visiting with you all especially Thomas. Weston and Lillian I have not spent as much time with they are lovely. Sid will leave a space in my heart but I will treasure all of the good visits and thankful that I was lucky enough to read his prank book. Sending love and prayers to you all

Fred and Bonnie Hucul:

We have all lost one of the kindest and most talented people around. Your smile and kind words will be sadly missed by all. Our deepest sympathy to Donna and the Kanten family.

Len Gransch :

It was a pleasure working with Syd during his time with AHEIA at Alford Lake. He was a frequent helper at the numerous camps and events I looked after. Condolences to the family. He will be missed.

Jonina Rimmer:

I will remember Syd as a very funny man with many stories and talents who was completely proud of and devoted to his family. My heart aches for you Donna, Tyler and Lindsey and grandkids. May your wonderful memories of Syd comfort you now and always.

Marlene Houlton:

Sending condolences to Donna and family A big lose for our community Rest in peace my old friend

Dayle and Alice Murray:

So very sorry Donna and family on the passing of Syd. He was a truly good person and he will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Brenda Crawford:

I’m so sorry for your loss. Syd was a wonderful person

Allison Leslie:

My sincere condolences in the loss of Syd,
My thoughts are with you at this sad time.

Darlene Merrill (nee Petersen):

My heart goes out to the Kanten Family. Syd was a great , talented guy. Just know that my thoughts are with you during this sad time.

Ester Ouderkirk:

My heart goes out to you Donna and your family during this sad time

Merna and Bryan Cermak :

To my wonderful friend Donna, Tyler and Lyndsey, those precious grandchildren and all the family and friends of Syd, sending you my hugs and prayers . There will be a big void left by Syd he was a very special man , so talented in so many ways. I will treasure my art work “ Three Cheers from Mexico” that he did for me . Condolences

Cindy and Tom Dezall:

Syd was such a talented man….funny, caring….you could see the bond and love Donna and him had……i loved listening to him play the mandolin…and yes we have an awesome funny cartoon he drew of Tom and Loran Collison….are hearts are with you Donna, Lindsay, Tyler and all of the family.

Bernie and Lee Visotto:

Sending hugs to you and your family Donna. So sorry for your loss and the community's loss too. Syd was such a a character, we have so many memories of our times together and the laughter we shared.

Shelley St. Germaine:

My deepest and most sincere condolences to everyone: Donna, Tyler, Lyndsey, grandkids, and all extended family. My heart and prayers are with you all.
Syd was such a treasure and I will cherish every visit and conversation I had the pleasure of having with him. He never failed to bring a smile or a chuckle to every visit, even if the topic began on a serious note (like when he spotted an unusual vehicle in my yard and drove over to tell me the moment he saw me come home). He always cared beyond expectation!
My youngest son, Brylen, was lucky enough to be taught his hunter education course at the Caroline School by Syd. That was the very last year before he retired from teaching the course. Brylen adored Syd as an instructor and enjoyed having someone teaching with such a wonderful sense of humor!!
A wonderful human being all around, and one that will be missed dearly by all.

Wanda Fay:

Oh my gosh, what sad news. Donna, I send my deepest condolences to you and your family.

Wilf & Christine Tricker:

Our deepest and most sincere condolences, we will miss our visits with Syd, such a kind and good natured fella. May God bless you and yours in this difficult time.

Carson Nutting:

We are blessed to be neighbours with the Kantens. Syd was a huge influence to me and my brothers growing up. Many hunting, camping, shed hunting and fishing trips, including my very first deer, thanks to Syd.
He was so generous, we really looked up to him.
He will be greatly missed. Extremely thankful for him and the memories.
My deepest condolences to Donna, Lindsey, Tyler, and families.
See you again Syd, in the happy hunting grounds with a cold lucky.

Arthur & Crystal Thompson :

Our sincere condolences to Donna & families. Syd was such a part of this community and will be missed.

John Rimmer:

One of my best friends. I will miss his humour and his unique character. Nobody could make me laugh like he could. He was one of a kind, amazing man. Him and his brother Buzz brought a unique 'flavour' to the Caroline community that only comes from rare individuals. I'm proud to call Syd a close friend and an integral part of my early life. God bless you my friend. My deepest condolences to Donna and all the family. I pray for them and may they feel the love and support from this amazing community.

Dusty & Birdy Cooper:

Our deepest condolences to you Donna and the family. Syd had quite a way of making a person feel comfortable and able to have a good conversation with him. He was easy to smile with a bit of a twinkle in his eye.
One of the last times I was at the feed store he shared a comical story of driving with my sister Janette and almost losing her out the door!
He said he was considering writing a book.
I’m glad to hear you have that journal to look back on and relive some memories.

Tammy Chamberlain(Hansen):

Sending my deepest condolences and love to Donna and all the family.

Kelly Pengelly:

Condolences to the Kanten family. Syd made quite an impact on the community and will be dearly missed. Always loved a visit with Syd.

Esther Kovacs:

We will dearly miss our visits and chats about nature and art and his warm personality and big smile always filled the room. Ross and I send our prayers and love to all of the family. Special love and hugs to Donna and Tyler .

Ronda Trimble:

Syd was truly a special person who shared his sparkle and humour with anyone lucky enough to meet him. Our world will be forever changed and his loss felt by many, many people. Donna and family, please know you have much love surrounding you at this very difficult time.

Greg Coleman:

Our sincere condolences to the family, Syd was an amazing gentleman and kind soul. He will be dearly missed.

Bonnie Parks:

With nothing but wonderful memories of Syd, I’m sending my deepest condolences to you Donna, Tyler, Lyndsey, and all of Syd’s loving family. It’s a sad time. I have so many memories of school when Donna started going out with Syd. Syd and Buzz and Leonard building our new home in 1967.
Syd drawing cartoons on the walls under the drywall of the first home Dwayne and I built. Syd’s wonderful omelettes he fed us after a night of partying and staying overnight with him and Donna. He was truly someone who I will always hold dear in my heart. I’m so sorry he passed away so young. I’m positive that Syd’s loved ones will have enough great memories to last a lifetime.
Bonnie (Smith/Reberger)

Judy Jones:

My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Donna and family. May your memories help you through your sadness and may they bring joy to you in the future.

Debbie Law:

Love and support for you and yours during this difficult time. My thoughts are with you.

Kathy Law:

Syd’s talent, humour, and teachings have left an incredible legacy. Knowing him has been a privilege. My sincere condolences to Donna and family.

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