Sean Anthony Kisch

Sean Anthony Kisch, 44, of Vancouver, BC, passed away on April 12, 2026. He was born on June 4, 1982 in Langley, BC. Sean lived a life marked by resilience, hard work, and a deep love for his family and the outdoors.

Sean spent his formative years in Chilliwack, where he attended McCammon Elementary, Little Mountain Elementary School, A.D. Rundle Middle School, and Chilliwack Senior Secondary School. He graduated with honors in June 2000 and later pursued his passion for mechanics at the University College of the Fraser Valley, completing his first year of Automotive Technician training. Throughout his life, Sean continued to expand his knowledge through various courses required for his diverse career path.

He was a dedicated and industrious individual from a young age. Sean began working at just 13 years old. His early jobs included delivering newspapers for the Chilliwack Progress, working at McDonald’s, haying, chicken catching, and other roles that showcased his determination. Despite excelling academically in his automotive studies, he faced challenges securing an apprenticeship in the field.

Undeterred, Sean ventured into other industries, including the oil fields in Alberta and construction. He even ran his own handyman business for a time. His most recent roles involved operating equipment and serving as a foreman and supervisor. Sean’s adaptability and willingness to learn were hallmarks of his career.

Sean’s passions extended beyond work. He had a profound love for the great outdoors and enjoyed four-wheel truck driving, quadding, and camping. A talented mechanic with an innate ability to diagnose and repair vehicles, he dreamed of building and racing his own car one day. Music also played a significant role in Sean’s life; he enjoyed playing guitar and participated in several worship teams during his earlier years. Additionally, he expressed himself through poetry, often writing about family and life.

Faith was a cornerstone of Sean’s journey. From birth, he attended church in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, primarily Eden Mennonite Church and First Avenue Church in Chilliwack. He was dedicated as a baby at four months old and later chose to be water baptized on April 21, 2002.

Sean was blessed with a beautiful daughter, Nikita Jayde Kisch, born on March 26, 2017. She was the light of his life and brought him immense joy. Sean is survived by his mother Sophie Theresa Burkhart (stepfather Jim Burkhart), daughter Nikita (mother Becky Gallagher), Andy (JoAnn) Kiss & family, Jamie (Norm) Draeger & family, Julie (Tom) Crowther & family, as well as numerous other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who cherished him deeply.

Throughout his life’s adventures – from participating in Beavers and Boy Scouts with the 6th Chilliwack Scout Group to speedskating with the Sardis Fliers Speedskating. Sean embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm. He also enjoyed soccer, baseball, Sunday school programs, boy’ clubs, youth groups and young adult ministries.

Despite his many accomplishments and vibrant spirit, Sean faced significant challenges with mental health and addition in his later years. While he successfully overcame these struggles once in 2009 with the support of his family, the isolation brought on by Covid-19 restrictions exacerbated these difficulties in recent years. His family tirelessly sought help for him but encountered systemic barriers that made accessing effective care nearly impossible.

In lieu of flower – In honour of Sean’s memory – to address the growing crisis of mental health and addiction across Canada, particularly in BC and Alberta, our family encourages donations to Ruth & Naomi’s Mission Shelter @ 46130 Margaret Avenue, Chilliwack BC or Streets Alive Mission @ 711 2A Avenue N., Lethbridge, AB. They can also call upon government leaders to prioritize actionable solutions to these pressing issues, so that no other families face similar heartbreak.

Sean will be remembered as an adventurous soul who loved deeply and worked tirelessly to provide for those he cared about. May his memory inspire change and bring comfort to all who knew him.

Rest in peace beside Jesus’ embrace.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 33911 Hazelwood Avenue (off the Abbotsford-Mission Highway).