Obituary of Kevin Pahtayken
Mark Brodrick "Kevin" Pahtayken passed away at St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia on March 3, 2025 at the age of 58 years.
Kevin is survived by: his mother, Malvina Pahtayken; sisters, Tina Saddleback, Carmella Pahtayken, Kyla Ermineskin and Justine Pahtayken; brother, Joe Pahtayken; nieces and their children, Robyn, Elijah and Micha Saddleback, Ashley and Sykora Saddleback, Tashina, Cree, Dawn, Kierin, Mila Jane and Isaiah Saddleback, Tia Pahtayken, Carmella Alice Roy, Sarah Pahtayken, Sonya Pahtayken, Lorelie, Bohdi, Darius and Liberty Webber, Kaylin, Keenin, Isaac, Liam and Aurora Ermineskin, Lilly and Rose Howe and Rainbow; and nephews and their children, Morris John, Teagan and Frost Omeasoo, Eric Coe, Sonny Pahtayken and Gabriel Pahtayken.
Today, we gather with heavy hearts to honor and remember our brother, uncle, friend and artist, Mark Kevin Brodrick Pahtayken. Born in December of 1966 and called home on March 3, 2025, Kevin lived a life that was both complex and beautiful, full of struggles but also filled with laughter, talent and an undeniable spirit that touched so many.
Kevin was a gifted tattoo artist, a man whose hands carried stories-etched in ink on the skin of those he crossed paths with. Many men wear his work and they all say the same thing: he did it freehand, without the luxury of stencils or proper tools. That kind of skill cannot be taught; it is something you are born with. It is something Kevin carried within him, even in the darkest of places.
Though Kevin spent much time away from family, his absence was never a sign of lack of love. The scars of residential school syndrome have run deep through our communities, stealing so much from so many. Kevin, like too many of our brothers and sisters, carried wounds that were never his to bear. Despite his struggles, he remained a man with a sharp sense of humor, a laugh that could break the heaviest silence and a heart that never stopped beating for the ones he loved.
He lived in British Columbia, but no matter where he was, he was always one of us. Family. Blood. His spirit was never far, and now, though his physical presence is gone, his spirit will remain with us - etched not only in ink but in the memories and love we carry forward.
Kevin, you will be missed dearly. May you finally rest in peace, free from the burdens of this world. We love you.
