It is with love and profound sadness that we mourn the death of Ken Sunquist. Husband, father, brother, grandfather, diplomat, board member, mentor and dear friend, he died peacefully at Ottawa General Hospital on Wednesday June 8, 2022.
His kindness, generosity and questionable sense of humour will be deeply missed by his wife, Carolyn, sons Stephen and Sean, and daughters-in-law Susan and Kate, and their children Kira, Trevlyn and Elliott. His younger sister, Susan and brother, Tim, along with their families will mourn his loss as well.
Son of Ed and Diana Sunquist, born in Winnipeg at the end of mosquito season in 1948, he grew up in almost every small town across western Canada, but found his true home when he married Carolyn Darke, the love of his life, in February of 1971. Ken graduated from University of Saskatchewan, Regina campus, with a B.Admin, and later with a Masters in Public Admin from Golden Gate University.
Ken had been in the ROTP Royal Canadian Navy, then worked at the office of the Premier of Saskatchewan, and Revenue Canada before accepting his dream job with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (then known as Industry, Trade and Commerce …. friends from DFAIT, GAC, etc. know the truth of the Bards words – a rose by any other name…). Working on the Trade side, Ken and Carolyn traveled the world, with postings to Jamaica, Yugoslavia, United States (San Francisco), back to Ottawa, then off to the far east with stints in South Korea, China (as Chargé d’affairs), then as Canada’s Ambassador to Indonesia. Returning to Ottawa, he completed his career as Canada’s Chief Trade Commissioner, and Assistant Deputy Minister for Africa and Asia. In retirement Ken translated lessons learned from his 37 years as a public servant into further work as a passionate member on the boards of directors for CARE Canada, the Forum for International Trade Training, the Trade Facilitation Office, the Canadian Commercial Corporation and as an adjunct professor for his alma mater, the University of Regina (honorary Doctorate, recipient of Lifetime Achievement Award) and the University of Alberta, Canada-China Institute. In these endeavors he found new avenues to explore and greatly enjoyed the opportunity to both learn and teach.
While he was an unrepentant work-a-holic, Ken truly loved the people he worked with – many colleagues became lifelong friends, and he felt privileged to share their company in Ottawa, Saskatchewan, and around the globe. Ken happily spent many a dinner regaling friends and family with tales - often funny, moving or inspirational – of the work situations and personalities he surrounded himself with.
Ken and Carolyn spent years, and earned many of their grey hairs, renovating the family cottage in Saskatchewan, and it was there he found his greatest peace and enjoyment. Shortly after retirement, he learned about flooding the hard way in 2011 and 2013, and gained an extended family as the tight-knit community of B-Say-Tah struggled with sandbagging and pumping to protect their homes and cottages. A voracious reader, he could be found at any time of day with a book in hand. He and Carolyn loved spending evenings gazing across the lake at the stunning prairie sunsets, chatting with neighbors, and most of all, playing with his grandchildren. As a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and in so many other capacities, he was truly a kind and compassionate man, and he will be sorely missed.
A Celebration of Ken’s life will occur on Wednesday June 15, 2022, at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa) at 1300. For those who are unable to attend in person, please visit www.beechwoodottawa.ca to preregister for a live stream of the Service. There will be a second Celebration this summer in Saskatchewan. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to CARE Canada, the Canadian Liver Foundation, or the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.
Digital Guestbook
Dan Murray
Tatiana Chabeaux-Smith
Ken and Carolyn were dear friends of my parents. While I didn't get to know them until my adult years, I hold them both close to my heart. They are special people and when I think about Ken, his humour and warmth are what stand out for me. He could make you feel at ease immediately with his quick wit and open smile. Building that kind of connection right away with someone is a rare thing. I'm so very sorry that the world has lost such a wonderful human being - we are all a little less without him - and I extend my deepest sympathies to Carolyn and their family. All my love to you.
Zulfi Sadeque
My enduring memory of Ken would always be of his gentle smile and of his unfailing courtesy towards everyone with whom he interacted. He truly was a scholar and a gentleman in the truest sense of the term. Rest in eternal peace, Ken.
Milan Stolarik
Enjoined Ken’s company and humour for many years while he served in Ottawa.
Rick Logan
Both Ken and Caroline were the kind of people that years would go by without a word but upon catching up is was as though it was only yesterday. Ken was a leader, a mentor to many but most of all a dear dear friend who will be missed by all who were priviledged to know him.
Darren Schemmer
I'm sorry that I'm unable to attend Ken's service as I live in Vancouver now. I had heard of Ken and his example even before I started working for him. Later I got to see for myself. I appreciated his judgment and his advice and most of all his genuine interest in other people. He will be missed. My condolences to your family.
Kris and Sonja Panday
So many memories of kindness, compassion and helping others achieve and persevere. Our hearts go out to Ken’s family for their loss.
Kapil Madan
If you are lucky there will be perhaps 3 or 4 people you will meet over the course of your career that truly have an impact on you. Ken was one of those people for me. I was fortunate to work in his orbit while he was our Chief Trade Commisioner and it was a pleasure front start to finish. I was always amazed at how those with superior leadership skills were almost invariably soft spoken and led by example. I’m not sure we’ve had such leadership since Ken’s retirement but he certainly left a target for others to aim for. A kind and gentle soul, Ken will be fondly remembered far and wide, of that I have no doubt.
Peter Furesz
A great colleague whose leadership frequently demonstrated both heart and soul when it mattered most.
Donald Bobiash
Our hearts go out to Carolyn and family. Ken touched the lives of so many people. He will be remembered for his kindness and compassion. With humility and a great sense of humour, he would lead by example. He was always thinking of others, and brightened the lives of everyone he met. A mentor for many, an inspiration for all.
Condolences to Ken's family. It was my great honour to serve on Ken's team as a Trade Commissioner in Korea. He was a kind, generous, funny, supportive and smart leader.