October 14, 1919 – March 05, 2021
Chester passed away peacefully at home with his loving family at his side on March 05, 2021 at the age 101 years.
He leaves to mourn his loving wife, Martha of Bottrel; two sons, Brian of Atlin, BC and Barry (Lorna) of Calgary, AB; and daughter, Lorie (Royce) of Cochrane, AB. Chester will be greatly missed by eleven grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by first wife Beryl in 1996, son Steven in 1956, daughter Cindy in 2017, great-granddaughter Leisha-Daun in 1995, sisters Gladys and Marion, and brother Lloyd. Born in Didsbury to Minnie and Louis Mjolsness in 1919, Chester was raised on the family farm west of Sundre where he learned the value of hard work, honesty and integrity - lessons he carried throughout his long and prosperous life. Along with his brother Lloyd, Chester owned and operated M & M Farming, but his real love was in the logging industry. First operating as Mjolsness Bros. Ltd. in Sundre, Chester founded Spray Lake Sawmills – first in Canmore and then in its current location in Cochrane. Chester always said “If you find a job you love, you will never have to work a day in your life”. Guided by his values and keen business sense, Spray Lake evolved into the major employer and great corporate citizen it is today.
After Chester sold the business to his son Barry in 1980 he began an exciting retirement. Never one to slow down, Chester spent the next thirty years pursuing his passion for hunting, and traveling to exotic locations around the world. Chester was such a positive force in the lives of so many people. A mentor, role model, business leader, philanthropist, he was, more importantly, a great husband, father, grandfather and friend. A perfect example of “a life well lived”. The family would like to thank the wonderful nursing staff from Rockyview Private Healthcare for their compassionate care.
A private Graveside Service for family was held at the Bergen Cemetery. A link to download a recording of the service will be available by contacting the family or by visiting Chester’s obituary on the Cochrane Country Funeral Home’s website, for a period of 2 weeks starting approximately March 17th.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mustard Seed Support Centre, 102 11 Ave. SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0X5.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.cochranecountryfuneral.com
