Kenneth Rubin Sawka

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kenneth (Ken) Ruben Sawka of Sechelt, British Columbia, on September 12, 2025. He left this world peacefully surrounded by his family. Ken leaves behind his wife of 53 years Margaret (Judy) Sawka (née Hodgson), daughter Nicole Côté (née Sawka) and bonus children Kimberly Williams (née Morrison) and Richard Morrison who he was a second dad to. He is also survived by his grandchildren Adam MacGillivray, Andrew MacGillivray, and Reisha Ryan (née Williams), great-grandchildren Zoe, Nathan, and Maddox MacGillivray, and grand puppy Cedar.  He is also remembered by his many siblings, extended family, and close friends (and animals) who are like family.

Ken was born in a small rural farm in Saskatchewan, where he grew up with lots of immediate and extended family. Though rooted in the Prairies, he carried a spirit of adventure that led him far beyond. Working with the Yellow Pages he made his way to the West Coast and eventually settled in the Vancouver area. In 1972, Ken married his lifelong partner Judy, and together they built a blended family filled with love, laughter, and resilience. He was a devoted husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Ken filled his life with laughter and adventures, and over the years the world was his oyster, traveling to many destinations in Canada, the United States and beyond to Vietnam, Morocco, Costa Rica, Mexico, Italy, Spain,Ukraine, UK and more.

But the Sunshine Coast has always been a draw for Ken and in the mid 1980s he and Judy bought a cottage on the ocean where they built many happy summers with their family and friends. His love for the people and the community grew and eventually he and Judy moved up to the Coast full-time where they built their dream home in Roberts Creek. He ran United Cleaners on the Sunshine Coast right up until June 2025! Just another example of his active engagement with his community and always wanting to help someone out.

A true entrepreneur, Ken founded and ran several carpet cleaning and flood repair businesses, always working with dedication and integrity. But beyond work, he had an endless list of passions—playing the ukulele, singing with a Ukrainian choir, tackling home renovations,cheering on and sometimes playing hockey, riding motorcycles, playing bridge and cards, coffee chats, debating with vigor, and singing whenever the chance arose. Most of all, Ken loved people. He found joy in caring for and helping others, making connections, and creating memories that will live on in those who knew him.

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honour to Muscular Dystrophy Canada https://muscle.ca/get-involved/donate/ an organization that Ken and family are deeply connected to.

Ken’s adventurous spirit, generous heart, and zest for life will be dearly missed and forever cherished.

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