Chilliwack hikers are planning to gather at Mt.Thom on Thursday (Aug. 15) evening for a hike to remember the local legend that was Art “The Happy Hiker” Lengkeek.
Lengkeek, who passed away on Aug. 2 shortly after his 92nd birthday, was perhaps best known for being a key member in the Chilliwack, B.C. Hiking Club, a Facebook group with over 33,000 members.
“In Art’s final couple of weeks when it became clear that he would soon pass away, he confided in me as his son that he would love it if his farewell day included some kind of hike for all of his hiking friends,” wrote Art’s son Jerome via Facebook. “He knew that not all of his acquaintances would be able to take time off work to go to a funeral.
“So we hatched a plan together to invite everyone to one last hike in his memory.”
Following the work day on Thursday, Aug. 15, participants are invited to strap on their boots or trail runners, grab a Happy Hiker t-shirt and head up for a hike through the Mt. Thom trail which, according to Jerome, was Art’s favourite.
Lengkeek took to hiking in his early seventies following a diagnosis of Type-2 diabetes. He began going a few times a week as a part of the fitness regimen he undertook to control his condition without taking insulin. But the activity soon turned into a beloved hobby, before blossoming into a full-blown passion.
Over the years, he tried his hand at various different trails, but Mt. Thom remained a constant in his rotation.
A funeral will be held for Lengkeek on Aug. 15 with a viewing taking place at Henderson's Funeral Home at 12 p.m. followed by the interment at Chilliwack Cemeteries on Mt. Shannon at 1 p.m.
The official memorial service is set for 2:30 p.m. at the Chilliwack Canadian Reformed Church at 49379 Chilliwack Central Rd.
As for the group hike following the service, members of the Lengkeek family will be present on his bench at the top of the stairs at the Sylvan Drive trailhead near Mt Thom Drive from around 5:30 p.m. until dark at around 8:30 p.m. There will be a book at the bench for those who wish to share any memories or messages for the Lengkeek family.
