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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
KANSIKAS, Kauko Emil (Ken) - passed away on October 13, 1999 in Oshawa, Ontario at the age of 77. He was born in Soini, Finland on January 6, 1922 and at age five emigrated to Canada. The family settled in Oshawa where Kauko grew up, finished secondary school, and became a toolmaker. He volunteered for the Royal Canadian Navy in March of 1942 and became an Engine Room Artificer 5/C.
On July 23, 1943 he was on the corvette The Pas when it was hit by an American ship, SS Medina. Kauko and his engine room shipmate and friend, Robert Patterson, had decided to hang their hammocks on deck. Kauko recalled seeing the prow of the American ship over his head as his hammock fell to the deck while he scrambled to safety. Apparently the SS Medina broadsided The Pas and 3 crew members were lost.
Kauko continued in the Navy until November 1, 1945 when he was discharged to shore as an ERA3/C and was demobilized. He took advantage of the educational opportunities for World War 2 veterans and enrolled in mechanical engineering at McGill University. Upon graduation, he secured aposition at Algoma Steel Corporation, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Kauko worked in the Maintenance Department for almost 37 years and retired in 1983.
Life in the Soo included raising a son, David, and a daughter, Sandra. He got his kids hiking outdoors and taught them how to downhill ski. He let them use his woodworking tools and always had space on his workbench for them. Kauko took on projects for others with an earnest and honest heart. He built chairs and bookcases and a barn for the goats but his biggest build was a two-storey log house for his retirement years.
Eventually Kauko left the Soo and found his way back to Oshawa where he lived a contented and active life with his lovely Elaine. Cancer took him but not before he got to spend time with his granddaughter Kirstin and his numerous step children and their families. He is remembered fondly.
Ships served in: HMCS YORK - Enlisted 09 Mar 1942. Commenced Active Service 09 Mar 1941 HMCS NADEN - Drafted to NADEN 14 Mar 1942 as an ERA 5c, RCNVR SS PRINCESS JOAN - Drafted to PRINCESS JOAN for training 27 May 1942 as an ERA 5c, RCNVR HMCS NADEN - Drafted to NADEN 29 Jul 1942 as an ERA 5c, RCNVR HMCS STADACONA - Drafted to STADACONA 01 Aug 1942 as an ERA 5c, RCNVR HMCS YORK - Drafted to YORK 18 Sep 1942 as an ERA 5c, RCNVR HMCS STADACONA - Drafted to STADACONA 29 Dec 1942 as an ERA 5c, RCNVR HMCS THE PAS - Drafted to THE PAS 31 Jan 1943 as an ERA 5c, RCNVR * Rated A/ERA 4c 30 Mar 1942 * Rated ERA 4c 03 Jul 1944 HMCS STADACONA - Drafted to STADACONA 17 Oct 1944 as an ERA 4c, RCNVR * Rated CPO 18 Nov 1944 * Rated ERA 3c 30 Mar 1945 HMCS PEREGRINE - Drafted to PEREGRINE 31 Aug 1945 as an ERA 3c, RCNVR. Demobilized 01 Nov 1945
(EK01) Portrait of PO ERA Ken Kansikas (EK02) Certificate of Service for Ken Kansikas From the collection of Kauko E. Kansikas Courtesy of Sandra Gunn
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