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Generosity
Education
ROOTED IN
COMMUNITY
Ken and Jacquie Riske sow the seeds of
a legacy after retirement
By ECF Staff
AFTER DECADES OF cultivating a vibrant business and community connection
through Millcreek Nursery, Ken and Jacquie Riske are transitioning into
retirement with the same purpose and care that defined their careers.
The nursery, which first opened in 1987, grew from humble beginnings.
Initially, it was just Ken. He was planning to grow an apple orchard but pivoted to
retail after his first crop of fruit trees sold out.
In 1993, Ken married Jacquie. By that time, Millcreek Nursery was beginning
to flourish, so much so that Jacquie left her job at TD Bank and came onboard
as Ken’s full-time business partner, helping with every aspect of the company.
Together, they grew the nursery into a thriving garden centre and community
hub renowned for its high-quality plants and personalized service.
“I always enjoyed helping people make their yards beautiful,” Ken reflects.
“It’s been rewarding to see our trees and shrubs enhance landscapes across
Edmonton, from residential gardens to university campuses.”
Ken’s deep roots in the Mill Creek area extend beyond his business. His
family has owned the property where the nursery was located since 1903.
Immigrating to Canada from what was then Prussia, they went on to start a
dairy farm on the property. Growing up on the farm, Ken’s father instilled in him
14 Together we thrive
14 Together we thrive
a strong sense of community responsibility.
“At six years old, my dad taught me to
save and give back,” Ken recalls. “He paid
me 10 cents an hour, and I’d set aside half
for savings and 10 per cent for charity. That
early lesson stayed with me.”
Now, as Ken embraces retirement, he
continues to honour his family’s legacy with
Jacquie through philanthropy. Guided by
professional financial planning, the Riskes
established two funds with Edmonton
Community Foundation (ECF) to direct
their charitable giving to causes close to
their hearts. This includes horticultural
education at Olds College and international
food relief through the Prairie Gleaners
Society, among many others.
The Riske’s non-endowed fund enables
them to provide immediate support with
larger sums to charities when they’d like to.
This is different from their endowed fund
that disburses four per cent of the market
value of the fund annually.
The endowment model ensures
that the fund will continue to grow and
grant larger amounts in perpetuity. It’s a
“forever fund.”
“Establishing an endowment allows
you to forward your hard work into worthy
things that maybe you didn’t have time to
participate in while you were working,” Ken
explains. “Plus, it’s a great way to manage
tax implications during retirement.”
The Riske’s endowment is a win-win
situation, demonstrating how charitable
giving can be a strategic tool within an
effective retirement plan. By directing
funds to meaningful causes, they not only
leave a lasting impact but also benefit
from tax advantages that can reduce the
burden of capital gains and income taxes.
This approach allows the Riskes to make
the most of their retirement finances while
supporting the community that has been
an integral part of their life together.
“It’s better to choose where your money
goes rather than letting the government
decide,” Ken says. “An endowment with ECF
provides flexibility and ensures support for
local organizations that make a difference.”
Although Millcreek Nursery has closed,
Ken and Jacquie’s impact continues to grow.
Their story is a reminder of how thoughtful
planning can transform a lifetime of hard
work into a lasting legacy of generosity.