Ryan Christopher Kikauka

Ryan, the kindest, most genuine person, loving husband, incredible dad, devoted son, amazing athlete, and best friend anyone could ask for.  

Ryan’s roots were in Ontario starting his career at UWO in London as a highly skilled machinist, leading to high energy work in remote areas around the world with complex survey equipment and navigation devices.  His adventurous spirit took him travelling abroad and settling in the mountain towns of Fernie and Golden where his passion for snowboarding and mountain biking was raised to the next level.   

His work with Sacred Rides garnered him accolades from clients as a favourite guide.  He would take guests, gear and bikes up some gnarled backroad to ride an epic ridgeline and created lifelong lasting experiences that gave him a great sense of pride and accomplishment.  

Ryan started ShredHeads snowboard club and his instructing in Fernie stoked everyone. His rock-climbing skills were at the elite level and he tackled snowboarding, mountain biking, splitboarding, dirt biking, snowmobiling, rock climbing, or any other sport with passion and skill.  

Ryan lived for the mountains; they were his sanctuary, his place to recharge, to think, and feel the moment. Beyond his athleticism, his outlook on life was truly inspiring. He cared deeply for the people around him and always offered unwavering support to his family and friends.  The greatest story was when Ryan met Alex while cruising a bike trail. She became his soulmate, adventure partner, wife and the mother of his child. They had many epic adventures together, more than anyone could probably count, and just over 2 years ago gave birth to their adorable son Sage.  

But mountains can also be unforgiving, and cruel. Ryan tragically lost his life in a backcountry avalanche accident. With so much love in our hearts, Ryan is survived by wife Alexandra, son Sage, mother-in-law Ingrid, father-in-law Jean, sister-in-law Keira, parents Ed and Allison, brother Drew, sister-in-law Tammie, niece Kyla, nephew Miles, and aunts, uncles and cousins whom he adored beyond words. He had many dreams for his family to grow and live life to the fullest potential—so many adventures planned, too many for one lifetime.   

Family and friends move forward with the honour, love and strength Ryan would have wanted. As Ryan is watching now, he sees how many people are standing together in support of Alex and Sage, and his wonderful group of family and friends. His spirit and love lives on with those whom he truly touched and moved, leaving a sincere emotional impact that is not easily forgotten.