In Focus | Ken Langedyk

Meet Ken. Ken was born and raised here in Kelowna! He enjoys cruising on his bike around town, browsing the local fresh food at Sunshine Market, and spending some quality time with his family.


Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am born and raised in Kelowna. I am the second generation of my family to be born at Kelowna General Hospital.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My favorite persons are my family, I have a fabulous girlfriend and we have two wonderful teenage girls. My mom, dad and brother also live in Kelowna so we see each other often. My sister lives in Vancouver so we visit her several times a year.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Sunshine Market for its fresh food and unique desserts.

Describe yourself in one word.
Energetic. My daughter says I am part of the OEA clubs - Over Exercisers Anonymous and Over Eaters Anonymous.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
All around the Okanagan Valley. This is a beautiful place and I have seen lots of it while driving my car or on the bicycle, but it changes all the time and the people are awesome.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Bicycling around town.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Going to teach a class with a water stain on the front of my pants from a faucet incident in the washroom. There was silence in the classroom until I explained the situation.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
At a young age, my dad always told me I can accomplish whatever I put my mind to. I have used this moto throughout my life.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Spending time with my family and friends around the house and camping. We did all sorts of fun things around the house and had a lot of laughs with family and great friends.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I am the main organizer for the Kelowna Father Daughter Dance which is on the first weekend in May. It has been running for the last 14 years at the Parkinson Recreation Center. I did a lot of volunteering with my daughters' schools when they were younger. I volunteer with the Okanagan Trail Riders Association for general trail maintenance.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Eliminate all wars/fighting.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Any place on the road with my bicycle, preferably a high road with a view of Okanagan Lake.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see Kelowna keep on its steady growth rate. It is great to see Kelowna expand and that we have new bike lanes being constructed.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The climate and the people.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Spend more time with my family.
Ride my bicycle more.
Have fun!!!!!!!

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am the main organizer of the Kelowna Father-Daughter dance.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Email and some minor Facebook.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Okanagan College

Why did you get into/start this business?
I enjoyed teaching students and I had a young family and wanted more holidays in the summer.

What is the goal of your business?
To teach students so they can get a good job.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Dealing with negative people.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do things the same but open up my eyes wider.

What do you always find yourself saying?
"That is fine. It will work."

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"You can do it if you put your mind to it. Oh yea, also open up your eyes wider and enjoy everything around you."

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My family.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It is great to support local people and businesses. I also LOVE fresh local peaches, raspberries, etc.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Having a fabulous family.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My girlfriend for always being there.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Sheldon Langedyk, my brother

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Have fun and do not take everything seriously. Spending time with your family and friends is valuable. Spending time in the area you live is very rewarding, fulfilling and lots of fun!
My motto this summer was TWED and Swim. This stands for Two Wheels Every Day and Swim in Okanagan Lake Everyday.
We live in an awesome place!!!!!!

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!