Arend Kersten was one of my favourite people to discuss Hamilton politics with.
Right now, as I write this remembrance, I know we would debate the editorial decision to call his contributions as being to Hamilton.
In contrast, he would likely remind me that he worked to improve Flamborough, part of Hamilton.
Sadly, Kersten died on August 17, 2024 at the age of 77.
Kersten worked tirelessly as Executive Director of the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce from 2003 to 2018,championing Flamborough and working to ensure the Chamber was a voice of the broader community.
Kersten did not support amalgamating Hamilton’s six former municipalities into one city in 2000.
As the editor of the Flamborough Review during the amalgamation period, he wrote against, campaigned against, and continued to see amalgamation as a mistake.
Nonetheless, after amalgamation was imposed, he went to work ensuring the City of Hamilton was the best it could be.
He was often at Hamilton City Hall as a City’s Open for Business Committee member, attended City budget meetings, made regular submissions, and even travelled to Queen’s Park to lobby for the entire community.
Kersten sat on the City’s Light Rail Transit Sub-Committee, bringing a voice from Flamborough to the table.
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A master in building relationships, Kersten reached out to Lower City activists during the great casino debates of 2012 and 2013 to make common cause opposing a Downtown Hamilton casino.
He secured a commitment from the City of Hamilton to hold a town hall on the issue in Waterdown, and masterfully moderated the evening.
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He was a man of steadfast integrity, with solid morals, and always prioritized the broader community.
He always found common agreement. When there was disagreement, he ensured all sides had a respectful understanding of the various viewpoints.
Kersten had a wealth of knowledge and insight. I valued my conversations with him.
Returning to the headline I’ve chosen: ‘contributed to Hamilton.’
I will never discuss this editorial choice with him.
A former journalist himself, he would understand why I wrote my opinion this way.
He would make wonderful arguments for his viewpoint. We would go back and forth over coffee, and his advice would make this column much better.
It is with much sadness that I accept those conversations will never happen again.
In closing, I wish to share a bit about our final phone conversations from the days of the pandemic in 2020.
We discussed the future of Hamilton and what stories are not receiving the coverage they deserve.
Interestingly enough, we agreed that the development boom along Rymal Road is one of those stories. We discussed meeting up in 2021 and visiting restaurants and coffee shops along Rymal Road.
By the time COVID restrictions ended, it was 2022, and there was a municipal election to be covered.
I failed to make the time to meet up with Kersten, a reminder to me that in our limited time on this Earth, it is important to make time for catching up with those who make us better.
Flamborough was lucky to have Arend as a champion. I was lucky to learn from him.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 from 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., at KITCHING, STEEPE & LUDWIG FUNERAL HOME, 146 Mill St.N., Waterdown.
The Funeral will be held beginning at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at CALVIN CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 420 Highway 5 W., Flamborough (5 km west of Clappison Corners).
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Why Not City Missions in Brantford would be appreciated.
Production Details v. 1.0.0 Published: August 17, 2024 Last updated: August 17, 2024 Author: Joey Coleman Update Record v. 1.0.0 original version
Thank you so much Joey for this wonderful tribute to a true champion of Flamborough. His impact on our community will not soon be forgotten.