April 19, 1959 – October 9, 2020
It is with extremely heavy hearts and great sadness that Ken’s children, Amanda and Cody, announce their Dad’s passing. Ken passed away on Friday, October 9th, 2020 with his children and siblings by his side.
Ken dearly loved and cherished his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends. He will be forever lovingly remembered, and is survived, by his son, Cody Mantyka; his daughter, Amanda (Trevor) Bulger; granddaughter, Ryler; grandson, Rhett; step grandchildren, Koah (Cody) Clark, Teirra (Brad) Keats, Shaena (Curt Cassidy) Bulger, Keyen Bulger; great grandchildren; Grayer and Jori Clark, Hawker Keats; siblings, Elaine Whitford, David (Alicia) Mantyka, Ramona (Gerry) Kirzinger and Rita (Paul) Kobiela; his life-long buddy, Harry (Bev) Diakiw; as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends that were near and dear to his heart.
Ken was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Pauline Mantyka of Cudworth, Saskatchewan.
It was in Cudworth where he grew up and attended school that he developed a love for all sports, especially track & field and football. In his spare time, one would find Ken at the family cabin at Wakaw Lake, SK where he spent many special times with his parents and four siblings. He especially loved fishing with his Dad and water skiing. Years later when he became a Dad, he shared his love of fishing with his children. After graduation in 1977, Ken moved to Edmonton and began a life-long career in the construction industry. In addition to running many large projects in Edmonton, his career took him to remote places in Canada, like Sankiliac, in the Belcher Islands and to Haifa, Israel where he spent five years working on the Bahai World Centre. In Haifa, he joined a mentorship program teaching apprentices the North American way of construction. Ken and his family were proud of his involvement in the program.
Ken was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping and fishing, especially at Wakaw Lake, SK. He was also a dedicated and loyal Saskatchewan Roughriders fan who loved to show his Rider Pride.
Due to COVID-19, there will be a small private family gathering to celebrate Ken’s life.
Amanda, Cody and Ken’s siblings would like to thank the medical team at the University of Alberta Hospital and Sturgeon Memorial for all their help and support through this very difficult time.
Memorial Donations
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken’s memory to
Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation
800 College Plaza
8215 – 112 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T6G 2C8