In Loving Memory of
Kaino Ensio "Kenneth" Sikio
September 22, 1943 - April 26, 2026

Kenneth passed away peacefully on Sunday morning at the Manitoulin Centennial Manor in Little Current with his life-long family friend Marilyn Smith by his side. After many years of fighting his medical problems, he is now out of pain and in a better place with his Maker.

Ken was born on Wednesday, September 22, 1943, in Sudbury
and is now predeceased by his wife Gaye Laura Schmidt,
his father John Sikio
and his mother Aino Alexsantra Glyden.

Ken was a very pleasant man with a great sense of humour. He was always kind and thoughtful, eager to help anyone in need and always appreciated anything you did for him. Ken was well-liked, not only by his many friends, but by all the people in his neighbourhood who he considered his family. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He grew up on his parents' farm in Dowling. Later, when he met and got together with Gaye, they bought a home in Lively, where they spent many happy years together. Unfortunately, Gaye passed away in August of 2003. They had a very loving, happy, active marriage. Ken remained in their home in Lively until he went into the Manitoulin Centennial Manor in 2022.

Ken was employed by Hydro One for 34 and a half years, retiring in 2003. Ken was the customer service supervisor of the Sudbury area office. He was well-respected for his exceptional work ethic, detail and commitment to customers. Being a perfectionist, his work was always above reproach.

Ken's passion was music. He played violin for the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra for most of his adult life. Ken's musical talents included playing a variety of instruments, including saxophone, cello, banjo, guitar and mandolin. He was sometimes called Mr. Music by his friends. Ken loved music of all types and liked to have fun with music. He recalled playing with a Hillbilly band when he was just 11 years old. He said it was a lot of fun. He also entered step dance and fiddle contests around 1997; he also enjoyed this type of music. These were fun contests for Ken. He could also be seen in a Lion's Club parade, marching while playing his violin, or practicing violin while walking through Fielding's Park.

He shared his passion for music by teaching violin and over the years trained many young students of all ages. It made him so proud and happy to see their progress. Ken would still reach out helping young people reach their musical goals through his generous contributions to music students at Cambrian College as a tribute to his late wife Gaye, who taught nursing at the college. Ken continued to mentor students even while residing at the Manor. He had one student, a retired lady, whom he was very proud of as she progressed nicely with his guidance.

Ken was a member of the Kiwanis Music Club where he held many positions. He received an award of excellence in appreciation for his outstanding service to the club. His 2002-03 award was for his dedication above and beyond the call of duty. He was Lt. Governor, Division 2, Kiwanis Club of Sudbury in 2002. He also had his own, very successful, violin repair business and, even when his health deteriorated, he continued to tackle several repair jobs for his friends.

Although his first love was music, Ken was a sponge for knowledge, learning and mastering many different things throughout his life. He belonged to the Canadian Shooting Sports Association and loved hunting moose, deer turkey, etc. (in season). He loved boating and fishing and he and Gaye spent many weekends doing that with friends or by themselves. He took SCUBA diving lessons professionally and excelled at it, exploring the local waters. Manitoulin Island was a frequent place to visit. Ken took up flying and was qualified professionally as a helicopter pilot. He was offered many jobs because of his skills. He chose to stay in the Sudbury office of Hydro One, as he enjoyed his home life with Gaye.

He enjoyed his garden, having a love of flowers and nature, entertaining their family and friends. He loved playing Santa at Christmas and enjoyed the expressions on the faces of the children and adults alike when he showed up at their homes. He brought a lot of joy to many people. He was a gentleman and an all around good person.

Many thanks to Mrs. Black, Ken's neighbour in Lively, who was like a mother to him and helped him with his flower garden.
To Patti and Doug Wilkin for helping with Ken's house.
To the nurses and PSW's who took such good care of Ken at the Manor.
To Linda Rosato at TLC, who took care of Ken until his move to the Manor.
To Rev. June McDougall who visited with Ken and prayed for him.
To Renee Kozachanko who, with volunteer drivers, provided transportation to and from Ken's appointments.
Finally to the Manitoulin Health Centre in Little Current and the Manitoulin Centennial Manor where he made is home for several years.

Ken will be laid to rest beside his wife, Gaye, at the Sudbury Civic Memorial Cemetery, 365 Second Ave. N., Sudbury.

A graveside memorial cemetery will be held on May 30, 2026.
Gathering at 12:30pm, service at 1pm
followed by a gathering from 2pm to 4pm at Towne Suites, 1710 Kingsway, Sudbury.
Come share your memories.

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