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
Ken and Pat Langston
Sarah Cowan and Glenys Parker
You have been i our thoughts continually these last few weeks and we hope tomorrow brings you some peace. He was an incredible man, whose memory will rest in in the minds of all who knew him.
Audri Mukhopadhyay
Ken was a special person. He was a well-mannered giant of Canada’s diplomatic corps, and a fantastic teacher. He was kind, insightful, and mindful. Heartfelt wishes to the family on this loss.
Ivy Lerner-Frank and Sid Frank
We are so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. From the time we met in Beijing, Ken’s optimism and positive approach inspired us as young officers. Seeing the way that the whole family embraced life overseas was equally significant— appreciating and encouraging the team both in the office and at home. As a colleague, a mentor, and a role model, Ken never seemed to lose sight of the people behind the work. Ken made a special effort to connect with me when I switched teams and joined the TCS to see how I was doing, and I won’t forget that kindness. To Carolyn, Stephen, and Sean, please accept our deepest condolences. Your loss is immeasurable, but know that it is shared.
Tim and Susan Sunquist and Family
Ken, I am devastated by having lost my only brother. Through the distance and years, you were always there for me. I was always proud of your accomplishments and dedication. You will live on forever in my memories.
My family of Susan, Ryan and Angela, Alexander, Kyle, Tyler and Cassie and Suzie-Marie will all miss you dearly.
François Gauthier
Ken was a true gentleman always eager to help and always available to provide advice and share is immense experience as a Trade Commissioner. Never ostensibly imposing his way, he was able to influence decisions that he regarded the correct ones for the betterment of Canada's foreign interests. He gave me support when I came back from a posting abroad showing his humanity and generosity towards me. I shall never forget what he did for me. RIP dear Ken.
Helen Vanwel and Ken Pattern
Ken Sunquist was a true and loyal friend for the past 24 years. We first met Ken shortly after his arrival in Indonesia in 1998 where he quickly became one of our most popular Ambassadors. Ken earned the highest respect of Indonesians and Canadians were proud of how he and Carolyn represented Canada. Ken was approachable and respectful to everyone he met and was universally loved. He was also kind, considerate, generous, empathetic, loving, caring, and hardworking to name just a few attributes. Ken had that rare quality of listening, really listening in the way that only few do, without judgement, and when asked, offering sound and wise advice. Most of all Ken was exemplary as a husband to Carolyn, never shy of showing his love for her, as a father and as grandfather. Nothing was better than being with his family. We see Ken now, in our minds eye with a mischievous smile on his face, ready to say something clever and humorous, that will have us all in stitches. May you rest in well deserved peace, dear friend. We miss you.
Robert Dery
Carolyn and family,
My wholehearted condolences. Ken was a respected and valued colleague. For the last five years prior to my retirement, we work closely together in the Trade Branch.
Robert Déry
Robert W. Peck
The Canadian Foreign Service has lost one of its brightest lights. Ken's positive energy, can-do attitude and commitment to his profession inspired everyone he met. He was a class act, gentleman and role model who led by example. May his memory be eternal. Condolences to Carolyn, his family and many, many loyal friends in Canada and around the world.
Robert W. Peck
The Canadian Foreign Service has lost one of its brightest lights. Ken's positive energy, can-do attitude and commitment to his profession inspired everyone he met. He was a class act, gentleman and role model who led by example. May his memory be eternal. Condolences to Carolyn, his family and many, many loyal friends in Canada and around the world.
Carolyn, Ken and I were deeply saddened to hear of Ken's passing. Although we didn't know him well, we do know that you two were a lifelong pair and life will not be the same without him by your side. We hope that the many wonderful memories you have of your years together will provide you and your family with some comfort in the days and weeks ahead. With love and sympathy, Ken and Pat Langston