Kevin Sidney Swetlishoff

January 22 1964 – May 8 2022

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness we announce the passing of Kevin Sidney Swetlishoff on May 8, 2022 in Vernon, B.C. Born in Nelson B.C.,  Kevin was the oldest son of Jane and Sidney Swetlishoff. Predeceased by his Father Sidney, Kevin is survived by his loving wife, Jona Mae, son Sef, daughter Sydnee, Mother Jane, sister Nadine Zaystoff (Ron), brother Darrell Swetlishoff (Lan), nieces and nephews, Darian (Clayton), Lucas (Logan), Ella, Alea and Jacob plus many Aunts, Uncles and cousins.

Kevin grew up in Castlegar B.C., graduating from Stanley Humphries S.S. in 1982. In 1983, Kevin attended Okanagan College and earned a certificate in Culinary Arts.  Kevin was an excellent chef, as anyone who has tasted his meals will attest.

He began his career as a chef at the Royal Anne Hotel in Kelowna. From there he moved on to the Kelowna General Hospital where he was admired not only for his high quality cuisine (especially his baking and salads) but also his spirited personality, strength of character and overt sense of humour. Kevin remained in Kelowna until an organizational change took him to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital where he participated in the development and implementation of the new Production Kitchen.

In 2008, Kevin felt he wanted to change career direction.  He took a leave from VJH, attended Selkirk College in Nelson then enrolled at SAIT in Calgary where he earned a Certificate in 4th Class Power Engineering. Upon reflection, however, he returned to his culinary career with Interior Health at VJH.

Sports were a passion from early childhood and continued to be throughout his life; track and field, hockey, slow pitch (The 40 Pounders rocked!) racquet ball, squash, wallyball, golf, fishing , water sports and anything else that came along.  He was a strong, skilled competitor, always a highly valued team member for his athletic talent, sportsmanship and ability to boost morale.

In 2010, Kevin married Jona Mae Costelo and together they had two children.  Kevin absolutely cherished Sef and Sydnee and loved taking them to their many baseball, soccer, basketball, and hockey games, fishing and playing board games (Monopoly was a favourite).  Kevin always looked forward to family road trips to Baba Jane’s and their vacations and adventures in the Philippines with Jona’s family.

Kevin made an instant impression on anyone he met, always positive, always smiling, a delightful chuckle or a full bodied laugh, a quick wit and sense of humour.  He was generous with his friends and family.  Taken from us too soon, he will never be forgotten.

May the Gracious Lord accept Kevin into his Heavenly Kingdom.

Please join us for KEVIN’S CELEBRATION OF LIFE Sunday,  June 26^th,2022 @ THE OKANAGAN CENTRE HALL, 11099 Maddock Ave., Lake Country at 2:00 p.m. In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation in memory of Kevin to the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club at www.bgco.ca or the Food Bank of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family by visiting the link below.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/vernon-bc/kevin-swetlishoff-10754886