Obituary for Sven Bjorknas

Sven Bjorknas

January 3, 2025

Sven Clarens Bjorknas (Cas) passed peacefully on January 3, 2025 after a period of failing health. He was predeceased by Kathleen, his wife of 53 years, in 2006. He is survived by his three children; Rosemary (Katherine), Casey (Debbie) and Sarah, as well as his sister Svea, who resides in North Carolina. He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Chris (Claudia), Sean (Jami), Erin (James), Siobhan, and Connor and three great grandchildren: Nicky, Forrest and Emmett.

Cas was born on November 20, 1930 in Vancouver and was raised and lived most of his life on Brown Road (240th Street in Langley Township) on a 20 acre parcel homesteaded by his immigrant parents. The close community known as Swede Hill consisted of eight or nine logger-farmer Finn Swede families, who farmed for survival, and worked in logging camps seasonally. Helping and looking out for others cemented this value for Cas. A bulwark, a man of few words, but described as “a diamond in the rough” by family who saw the quiet but solid values of a generous and hard-working soul.

His was a life well lived filled with self-taught skills and experiences, adventures and fun. Cas earned a living in logging and mechanics, built and renovated his own home and was devoted to his family. He used his resources for ethically raising Polled Hereford cattle, mastering boating and embracing snowbirding in retirement. The family would like to thank the caring staff at Cascade Gardens, his residence for the past 3+ years. A graveside service to inter his ashes at the family plot in Murrayville Cemetery is planned for springtime.

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Messages of Condolence

So sorry for your loss and thinking of all of you at this sad time

~ Val Bolster

I have a lot of fond memories of Cas over many years, since I came to Canada in 1957. He helped me out in so many ways that I needed, coming to a new country. He was a good man, and it was a privilege to know him.

~ John Bjorknas

Dear Sarah and family,

Cas Bjorknas's legacy - your father, grandfather, great grandfather and Svea's brother - of hardwork ethic and looking out for others radiate through you as you loved him and exemplify these values to everyone you know.

May it be a light and guide in the days ahead. Love Jan

~ Jan Constantinescu

We met Cas only on a few occasions but have gotten to know his family. We remember him as a true gentleman. Our sincere condolences.

~ Art and Lynn Pedde

Uncle Cas was a great man who I admired as a distant nephew who had the opportunity to spend time with him on extended family vacations to BC as a child and shorter visits during my adult life. I always found him to be an interesting man with his knowledge and work ethic. I have many memories of hay season helping get up hay for the winter as well as fishing trips for Salmon. I learned a lot from him about he and his families early years and the logging industry back in his early days. I found time spent with him, Aunt Kathleen, Rosemary, Casey and Sarah were valuable to me as I learned a lot about my family and their traditions etc…. in BC, Canada. One of the most enjoyable and trips to BC to spend time with my BC family involved a trip up country with Uncle Cas and family along with some friends of our family from here in NC. Too many funny stories to write at this moment about that trip but those who are still with us will remember the Duffy Lake Road experience. I am better person for having known and spent time with my Uncle Cas. RIP Uncle Cas.

~ Rusty

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