Memorial planned for Hydro worker killed on the job

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This article was published 19/08/2024 (386 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A memorial service will be held later this month for a Manitoba Hydro worker who died on the job Aug. 8.

Kyle Spalding a 46-year-old husband and father of two from Ashern, was killed while responding to a power outage in the Interlake.

Hydro has not provided any details about the incident, including the specific location. The Crown utility has said that it can’t comment while the Workplace Health and Safety investigation is under way.

“While we appreciate many people have questions, it is important the answers are arrived at properly and without speculation,” spokesman Peter Chura said.

An obituary notice published in Saturday’s Free Press noted a memorial service at the Eriksdale Recreation Centre Aug. 28.

Spalding was “a loving husband and best friend” to his wife Melanie and an “incredible father” to Ethan, 22, and Aiden, 18, an online fundraiser said.

“Kyle’s family and friends face this great tragedy with incredibly heavy hearts and irreparable grief,” the GoFundMe page said. “Kyle was known for his incredibly strong work ethic, kindness, humour, and positive energy. He brought a breath of fresh air, with much laughter, wherever he went and Kyle genuinely supported all those around him,” it said.

“As a Manitoba Hydro lineman, Kyle worked hard every day to support his family that he loved so much,” it noted.

The obituary said that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Spalding’s memory payable to Manitoba Hydro employee fund with details about how to donate.

Spalding’s family declined to comment on Monday.

“Our priority at this time remains supporting the deceased employee’s family, coworkers and community. This has included extending our Blue Cross employee and family assistance program counselling services to community members in need of such support. We will of course share more information about this tragedy as we are able,” Chura said.

Meanwhile, the GoFundMe account set up last week for Spalding’s family with a $75,000 fundraising target had raised more than $63,000 as of Monday.

“With all the emotional pain and stress that death brings, it can also bring financial burdens,” it said. “Let us all come together to support the family during this very difficult period. Any support you may be able to provide would be greatly appreciated.”

Organizers of the online account did not respond to a request for comment Monday.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca