Ken passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 6, 2026. He was born on December 9, 1941, in Sidney, BC.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Sonjia; his brother, Gary (Laura); his children, Gary and Laura (Cam); his grandchildren, extended family and many dear friends.
Ken served in the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1958 – 1964, where he trained as a plumber gas fitter. He lived in Ottawa and returned to Victoria in 1969 where, after a memorable first dinner-dance date at the iconic McMorran’s, he and Sonjia were married on August 9, 1969, and began a lifelong journey together.
Ken spent most of his career as a plumber gas fitter with Local 324. He was an active member of the union’s entertainment committee and brought joy to countless families by stepping into the role of Santa Claus at the children’s Christmas parties for more than 25 years.
Hornby Island held a special place in Ken’s heart, and he loved spending time at Whaling Station Bay with family and friends. His many passions included: cooking, woodworking, gardening and singing. He volunteered for 10 years at Abkhazi Gardens and performed in numerous productions with the VOS, including South Pacific, Fiddler on the Roof, and Guys and Dolls. He also took great pride in his 12 years as a member of the Greater Victoria Police Chorus, where he and Sonjia developed wonderful friendships and had many fun adventures on the chorus road trips. Ken will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humour, his ability to fix anything, and his exceptional Yahtzee luck!
Ken’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to his devoted caregivers, family members, Oak Bay Community Health, BC Cancer – Victoria, Victoria Hospice and his medical team for the exceptional care, compassion, and support they provided.
A Celebration of Ken’s life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Tuesday, June 30th at 2:00pm.
Donations in Ken’s memory would be gratefully accepted by BC Cancer’s Victoria Integrated Care and Research Pavilion: https://bccancerfoundation.com/KenBeswick
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Beswick” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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David Barker
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Eddie Spencer My sincere condolences Sonjia, to you and your family on the loss of Ken,he was a great guy. I enjoyed Ken’s sense of humor which made working with him such a pleasure.I first worked with Ken at Yarrows shipyard in the early 1970s and on construction over the years including the Naden dockyard in 1979 where ken and I were partnered up. We finally worked together at the Royal Jubilee Hospital and he never lost that rye sense of humor.
He will also be sorely missed by his brothers in Local 324.
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Terry and John Lang Ken was a wonderful friend and neighbour. We enjoyed his rye commentary on life and caring attitude. He was always ready to lend a helping hand with any household project. The bench on our old front porch was a testament to his skill. We admired his involvement with the community and his beautiful dahlias. Victoria has lost one of its finest citizens. We offer our condolences to Sonjia and the family.
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Linda Bell so very sorry to learn of Ken’s passing, Sonjia and Family…..I looked for your phone number, Sonjia, but couldn’t find one….you’ll miss him terribly…..take good care of yourself…..
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Dean Richdale To Sonjia, Laura , Gary and family.
My condolences! Ken and I were Greater Victoria Police Chorus members. We shared many trips and concerts together. Ken was truely a great friend and a great singer. He sang many solos for big audiences. Ken will be greatly missed !
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Ken Lane I came to know Ken through the Greater Victoria Police Chorus. It seems a most appropriate sentiment therefore to pray that the memories of his ‘classic’ singing bring comfort to those who were privileged to know him, and to those who loved him.
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Dennis Robinson I have truly lost a kind and talented man. His love of gardening, singing and carpentry gently mixed with his sense or humour provided friendship for over 20 years. My sincere condolencesto Ken’s family and friends.
We’ll meet again.
Dennis
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Ivan Crossett My condolences to Sonjia and family. As the retired business manager of the Plumbers and Pipe fitters’ union I always appreciated his involvement, not just as Santa but his service as recording secretary and a term as president. Sonjia and Ken were always involved in any social function the union put on for the members. Ken and I enjoyed many a beer together after meetings. Unfortunately, we only got together at funerals and reunions after after my retirement, but I know that he continued long after that. I am amazed that he was able to give the union so much of his time with such a busy schedule. He will be missed.
What a great addition Ken was to the Police Chorus. His top tenor voice was just beautiful. We had some wonderful times together at practices, and his solo performances were superb. Ken was a great entertainer at Christmas time. With his outstanding Santa outfit he was the real thing.
Coleen and I send our sincere condolences to Sonjia and all the family.
Davey Barker