Family, Friends and Colleagues are devastated following the loss of an incredible man, Ken Krawetz.
This newsletter is dedicated to the Honourable Ken Krawetz as we share many tributes in his memory.
Ken Krawetz is being remembered fondly on both sides of the aisle after the founding member of the Saskatchewan Party and long-time MLA for Canora-Pelly died at the age of 75.
Flags at the Legislature were lowered to half-mast to honour Ken Krawetz, who was first elected to provincial office in 1995.
REMEMBERING THE HONOURABLE KEN KRAWETZ
Ken was a truly special person whose kindness, wisdom and generosity touched so many lives. He had a heart for people. A patient listener, a trusted friend and someone who always made time for others. By his side throughout his life was Gail, his beloved wife, partner and source of strength. They built a beautiful family and a life grounded in love, service and community.
His commitment to Saskatchewan was remarkable. From the classroom to the Legislative Assembly, and through his years as Opposition Leader, Finance Minister and Deputy Premier, Ken served with integrity, common sense and a genuine desire to make our province better. He played an important role in ensuring Saskatchewan recognized and remembered the victims of the Holodomor.
But beyond the titles and accomplishments, Ken will be remembered most for the person he was. His humour, thoughtful advice, generosity and friendship will be deeply missed. His greatest pride was his family, and the love he had for Gail, his children and grandchildren was evident to all who knew him.
Ken leaves behind a lasting legacy, not only in the province he served, but in the hearts and lives of the many people fortunate enough to know him.
His big heart struggled at times, but it was only because he shared pieces of it with so many.
Ken leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness and caring. A life that made Saskatchewan a better place. Вічна йому пам’ять — may his memory be eternal.
Premier Scott Moe, "On behalf of a grateful party, government and province, I want to offer my deepest condolences to the family and many, many friends of former MLA, opposition leader, minister and Deputy Premier Ken Krawetz, one of the founding members of the Saskatchewan Party. This one hurts a lot. In any room Ken was in, whether as a teacher, school board trustee, opposition or government caucus member, cabinet minister or at the kitchen table talking to a constituent, Ken was always the guy who brought the logic, integrity, compassion and common sense to arrive at the right decision. Ken loved his community. He loved his province. He loved serving his province. He loved his friends and he loved his family more than anything. He even loved the Toronto Maple Leafs. His big heart struggled at times, but it was only because he shared pieces of it with so many."
Honourable Brad Wall, "There are not the words adequate to the task of sharing what a good and decent man we have lost. I am devastated. The Province has lost one of its great leaders. A founder of our party, Deputy Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, my deputy Premier, my right hand, a senior minister, a fierce MLA for Canora-Pelly. He was a mentor and a counsellor to me; as Proverbs describes -‘a friend that sticketh closer than a brother’. Whatever we might have accomplished in those years -needed his steady hand and his big servant’s heart. Tami and I offer our prayers for Gail, his family and to all who mourn this good man. We shall not see the likes of him again."
Honourable Jim Reiter, "I have been reminiscing a lot the past 24 hours – we all have.
Ken Krawetz was a great man who meant a lot to me. He was a mentor and a big influence in my life both personally and professionally."
Honourable Sean Wilson, "There will never be another Ken Krawetz. Canora Pelly was so fortunate to have him represent us from 1995 until 2016."
Hounourable Ken Cheveldayoff, "Ken was a great colleague, a founding member of the Saskatchewan Party, and someone who made a lasting difference to our province.
He was dedicated, and deeply respected. His contributions to Saskatchewan and his commitment to the people of our province will be remembered for years to come.
Heartfelt condolences to Gail, his children and grandchildren, his family, and his many friends. Ken will be remembered always."
Honourable Everett Hindley, " “Few can match the respect that Ken commanded in a room, and his booming voice that echoed throughout the legislative chamber. We miss you, Ken.”
Former Deputy Premier Don McMorris, "“He was deputy leader to Elwin, and of course after we won in 2007 deputy premier to Premier Wall, and I was in cabinet with him the whole time.”
From that initial meeting forward McMorris remembered both the pragmatism Moe spoke of but also a larger-than-life personality who wasn’t afraid of having his voice heard.
“He was fiery. So fiery,” said McMorris. “You probably heard him in question period, and I think the whole building probably heard him sometimes in question period when he’d get up and answer a question.”
Trent Wotherspoon, NDP Finance Critic, "“I had many debates with Ken Krawetz over the years, often not quiet debates,” said Wotherspoon, who spent nearly a decade in the Legislature across the aisle from Krawetz. “Also many warm personal conversations, and the opportunity to work together for example with the Ukrainian-Canadian community.”
Sarah Mills, "Ken Krawetz, one of trhe founders of the Saskatchewan Party, had a booming moice that filled the marble hallways of the Saskatchewan Legislature and a heart he wore on his sleeve. " Sarah Mills: Remembering Ken Krawetz | 650 CKOM
Victor Thomas, President and CEO, Canada-India Business Council, "Ken Krawetz had a voice that drew anyone within earshot to what he was thinking. He was both gracious and inspiring."
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Saskatchewan Provincial Council, "The Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Saskatchewan was saddened today to learn of the passing of Ken Krawetz.
On behalf of our Board of Directors, Staff and the Ukrainian community of Saskatchewan, we extend sincere condolences to his wife Gail Krawetz, the Krawetz family, their friends, and former colleagues.
As a dedicated public servant, former Deputy Premier of Saskatchewan, Honorary Consul of Ukraine to Saskatchewan, UCC Saskatchewan Nation Builder Award recipient and proud Ukrainian Canadian, Mr. Krawetz made significant contributions to our province, its people, and our Ukrainian Canadian community in particular, through many years of leadership and service.
One of his important legacy contributions was the shepherding of Bill 40 The Ukrainian Famine and Genocide (Holodomor) Memorial Day Act for adoption in 2008 by the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, making Saskatchewan the first legislature in Canada to recognize the Holodomor as genocide.
We join Saskatchewan residents in mourning his loss and honouring his lasting legacy. Thank you, Ken!
May his memory be eternal. Вічна йому пам'ять."
SARM, "SARM was saddened to learn of the passing of former Deputy Premier Ken Krawetz.
Ken served Saskatchewan throughout his life—as a municipal leader, school board trustee, and through his work with the provincial government. He was a strong advocate for rural Saskatchewan, and his passion for the province was evident in his booming voice, warm laugh, and thoughtful, measured approach.
Our thoughts are with the Krawetz family during this difficult time."
A BOOK OF CONDOLENCES IS SET UP AT THE SASKATCHEWAN LEGISLATIVE BUILDING
Born and raised in the Invermay area, he was first elected as a Liberal MLA in the provincial legislature in 1995. Krawetz joined with fellow Liberals Bob Bjornerud, Rod Gantefour and June Draude to form the new party, along with four Progressive Conservatives.
In 1999, Krawetz became the Saskatchewan Party’s first interim leader. When the party found electoral success in 2007, he served as Deputy Premier under Premier Brad Wall, Education Minister and later as Finance Minister.
A PASSIONATE ADVOCATE FOR THE UKRAINIAN COMMUNITY
Ken was proud and deeply connected to his Ukrainian heritage and was a passionate advocate for the Ukrainian community and for preserving its history and traditions. His commitment to remembering the Holodomor was particularly meaningful. Through his leadership and perseverance, Saskatchewan became the first province in Canada to formally recognize the Holodomor in 2008, a lasting testament to his belief that the stories and suffering of generations must never be forgotten.
He was best known for his work advocating for Saskatchewan’s Ukrainian community, shepherding the passage of the province’s Holodomor Memorial Day Act. Krawetz served as Legislative Secretary for Saskatchewan-Ukraine relations. In 2009, he was presented with Prince Yaroslav the Wise. The highest honour a non-citizen can receive from Ukraine. It was in honour of his work for Saskatchewan to recognize and remember Holodomor.
He was lauded as a champion of the Ukrainian community. He played a leading role in commemorative activities, including the 2015 dedication of the “Bitter Memories of Childhood” statue in Regina. It’s a replica of the monument at the National Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide in Kyiv.
He led delegations to Ukraine, participated in memorial ceremonies, and worked closely with the Saskatchewan-Ukraine Relations advisory committee.
In 2022, Ukraine appointed Krawetz its honorary consul in Saskatchewan. He helped co-ordinate Saskatchewan’s response to Russia’s invasion, including humanitarian aid and help for those displaced by the fighting.
A LIFE OF SERVICE, LOVE AND CARE. A BETTER COMMUNITY BECAUSE HE WAS THERE
INVERMAY SCHOOL: In Memory of the Honourable Ken Krawetz
Passion, advocacy and dedication are just a few of the many words that can be used to describe the Honourable Ken Krawetz.
Invermay School and the Village of Invermay lost one of their greatest supporters on October 1, 2026, with the passing of Ken Krawetz. Ken was a strong advocate for rural education and for the community he called home.
Mr. Krawetz was a former teacher and principal of Invermay School, a board member for the Canora School Division, owner of an insurance brokerage in Invermay, farmer, President of the Saskatchewan School Trustees Association, founding member of the Saskatchewan Party, Minister of Education, Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier of Saskatchewan. He was also the husband of former Invermay School Principal Gail Krawetz.
In 1972, Ken accepted a teaching position at Invermay School. He taught for 11 years and was named principal during his final year. His former students remember him for bringing history to life in his social studies classes. He was also a favourite math teacher, with an ability to explain complex concepts in a way that allowed each student to understand the process and experience success.
Ken was the yearbook advisor for all 11 years he spent at Invermay School and was an active coach with the senior boys' and girls' volleyball teams. Gail shared that when Ken first began coaching, he did not know much about volleyball. Within a few short years, however, he had advanced his team to provincials, where they won a bronze medal in 1982.
His love of volleyball became a passion he passed on to his children and grandchildren. Today, his son Bryce is an accomplished volleyball coach, carrying on a legacy that began with Ken.
When Ken transitioned from education to pursue his business venture with his insurance brokerage, his passion for education and Invermay School remained strong.
When Invermay School underwent a major renovation and expansion, Ken played an instrumental role in bringing the school together under one roof. At the time, the high school and elementary school were located in separate buildings across the street from one another. The high school was housed in the building that was later renovated into the Invermay Community Hall, while the elementary school occupied what is now our current school building.
Ken advocated strongly for the future of Invermay School, including lobbying for a larger gymnasium when the Ministry of Education had originally authorized a much smaller facility. His determination helped ensure that the school had a space that could better serve its students and community for generations to come.
Ken's passion for education eventually merged with his passion for public service and politics, leading to his appointment as Saskatchewan's Minister of Education from 2007 to 2010. His commitment to rural education did not diminish. Instead, he drew on his extensive experience in education to advocate for students, schools and communities across Saskatchewan and beyond.
Even in his most recent years, Ken remained a familiar and welcome presence at Invermay School. He regularly visited to support fundraisers, watch volleyball games and represent community organizations. We all recognized his voice when he entered the building.
Ken enjoyed sitting down over a soup and sandwich, catching up with students, staff and community members. He remained genuinely interested in what was happening at the school and in the lives of the people within it. In 2023, Ken was honoured to be invited as a guest speaker at our Graduation ceremony.
His pride in Invermay and Invermay School was always evident when he spoke about our community.
Ken's legacy is woven into the history of our school, our community and rural education in Saskatchewan. His contributions extended far beyond his professional accomplishments. He invested his time, energy and passion into the people and places he cared about, and the impact of that dedication will continue to be felt for years to come.
Thank you, Ken, for all that you have done for Invermay School, the Village of Invermay, rural education and our province. Your dedication, advocacy and passion will not be forgotten. You will be deeply missed.
In honour of Mr. Krawetz's life and many years of service, Invermay School has lowered its flags to half-mast on Friday morning, October 2. The flags will remain at half-mast through the end of the day on which Mr. Krawetz's funeral or memorial service is held.
Thank you for helping Invermay School and the Village of Invermay honour the life and legacy of the Honourable Ken Krawetz.
INVERMAY ARENA
A leader is someone who guides, inspires, and motivates a group of people to work toward a shared goal.
Ken was a leader. He was also a husband, a father, a grandfather, and severe friend and ally to many in our community, province, country and even other parts of the world.
Ken's sense of community was so immense and it showed through everything he was involved in. Our own arena for one, and many other community groups. His involvement in the arena goes back to the intial planning, fundraising and building of the facility. For many of the past years he has been the ring master of our group and his time was all volunteered. Words cannot express the dedication, commitment and involvement in the role he has played here and we thank him from the bottom of our hearts.
Ken was very proud to be from our small town and wasn't afraid to show it off and brag it up on a grander stage. We were very lucky to have him. Ken K from Invermay, wherever you are, they are lucky to have you, and it's safe to say that the budgets will be balanced.
We send our most sincere condolences to Gail, Bryce, Lindsay and their entire families. Thank you for sharing Ken with all of us.
A COMMITTED SPORTS FAN!
Ken and Gail cheered the Riders, Blue Jays, Toronto Maple Leafs, and shared each game with joy.
READ MORE ABOUT ONE OF OUR PROVINCE'S GREATEST LEADERS
Ken leaves behind a legacy woven through Saskatchewan’s history, the Ukrainian community he cared so deeply about, and the many lives he touched along the way. His love for Gail, his family, his heritage and his province will continue to be remembered with great affection and gratitude.
Вічна йому пам’ять — May his memory be eternal.
Ken Krawetz, co-founder of Saskatchewan Party, Ukrainian community leader, dies at 75 - The Globe and Mail
Former MLA and Sask. Party co-founder Ken Krawetz dies at 75
Saskatchewan Party co-founder Krawetz dead at 75 | Globalnews.ca
Former Saskatchewan deputy premier Ken Krawetz dies
Longtime MLA, Saskatchewan Party founding member Krawetz dead at 75 - SaskToday.ca
Sask. Party remembers co-founder Ken Krawetz as one of province’s ‘greatest leaders’ - Prince Albert Daily Herald
Former deputy premier, Sask. Party founder Ken Krawetz dies at 75 | CBC News
Saskatchewan Party co-founder Krawetz dead at 75 | Globalnews.ca
WE WILL REMEMBER WITH GRATITUDE
https://baileysfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/4340/Ken-Krawetz/obituary.html
Beyond his public service and accomplishments, Ken will be remembered most for the person he was. His humour, thoughtful advice, generosity and friendship will be deeply missed. His greatest pride was his family, and Gail was at the heart of that family, beside him through every chapter, sharing the joys, challenges and accomplishments of a remarkable life together.
From classroom doors to public life, he answered duty's call. As teacher, farmer, MLA, he worked to serve us all. We will always remember Ken with gratitude and pride. His legacy of service and kindness will remain a lasting part of Saskatchewan.
Вічна йому пам’ять- May his memory be eternal
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
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