Farm writer and political fundraiser Mark Kihn passes

After a long struggle with cancer, Mark Kihn, the former owner and publisher of the Charolais Banner, has died.

Kihn was born on May 5, 1960, in Dryden, Ont. In 1966, the family moved to a farm near Minnedosa, Man. His childhood on the family farm later served as material for stories published in the Western Producer and Manitoba Co-operator.

Kihn graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Valparaiso University in Indiana in 1978. While at Valparaiso, Kihn edited the school paper, played on the school’s soccer team and provided colour commentary on Crusaders basketball broadcasts. That interest in sports and physical activity remained throughout his life, later manifesting in long cycling trips.

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After graduation, Kihn began working at a beef trade publication, before moving to the Charolais Banner. Within a few years, he was publisher and owner of the magazine. Kihn moved the magazine to Calgary, where he bought a home and remained for the rest of his life.

Outside the beef industry, Kihn is likely best known for his work fundraising for Stephen Harper, rustling up over $3.5 million for Harper’s two leadership campaigns, the Globe and Mail reported. He also served as returning officer for several federal Conservative nominations in Alberta in subsequent years, including a contentious contest in Calgary’s Signal Hill riding in 2014. He was seen by senior Conservatives as organized, neutral and by the book, reported the Globe and Mail.

Kihn’s connection with the Harper family was formed in the 1990s, when he hired Laureen Teskey, a marketing and graphic design specialist. Teskey was dating Harper at the time and went on to marry him. Kihn remained close to the Harper family and was known as “Uncle Mark” to their children, his obituary notes.

More recently, Kihn returned to farm journalism, freelancing for the Manitoba Co-operator, Western Producer and Canadian Cattlemen. His contributions to Canadian Cattlemen included feature articles on everything from historical subjects to hosting private treaty sales as well as obituaries for Purely Purebred. Kihn also suggested featuring the artwork of Maxine Abraham on the cover of the December 2022 issue, starting a new annual tradition at the magazine.

Kihn’s Christian faith was an important part of his life. He was an active member of the Foothills Lutheran Church in Calgary and volunteered with Samaritan’s Purse on initiatives such as hurricane relief in Houston.

Kihn was diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer in early 2023. He was told he had six months, but soldiered on for a year and a half after the diagnosis. Friends Ken Greenfield, Tim and Tracy Roth provided extraordinary care in his final years.

He is survived by sisters Helga (nee Kihn) Jensen of Camrose, Linda (nee Kihn) Zibin of Port Alberni and brothers David (Edmonton), Tim (Fort Saskatchewan) and Ron (Winnipeg), along with their spouses and significant others, several nieces and nephews, his church family and several friends.

Kihn’s funeral was held on Monday, July 29, 2024, at Foothills Lutheran Church, 3104-34 Avenue NW, Calgary, Alta.