Burnaby firefighter and former hockey pro remembered as a 'bright light' for his family

Family and friends are remembering a Burnaby firefighter and an ex-NHL player who died suddenly this week as a bright light and a loving father.

Ray Sawada, who served with the Burnaby Fire Department since 2017, underwent a sudden medical emergency while playing recreational hockey at Richmond Ice Centre on Monday, April 10.

Sawada was a former professional hockey player, with stints in the American Hockey League and BC Hockey League. He also played 11 games with the Dallas Stars.

A GoFundMe set up by a family friend to raise money for his wife and two young daughters says he died while “playing the game he loved”.

“Ray was such a bright light in the lives he touched. He enjoyed traveling with Nicole, the girls, and family and friends,” the fundraiser reads.

“He was a talented hockey player and a dedicated coach for his girls. Ray was passionately driven and motivated in everything he did, and the surrounding community will be left with a void.”

As of Thursday afternoon, the GoFundMe had garnered nearly $300,000 in donations.

The Burnaby Fire Department said it, along with the union, had also been in touch with Sawada’s family to provide them with any support they may need.

“The loss of Ray, a member that we each respect, value and care for, will be difficult and challenging. Please stay connected and support each other through what will be a very difficult time,” fire Chief Chris Bowcock told department members in a memo on Tuesday.

“Ray Sawada wore Department Badge Number 490, and his impact and impression on the Burnaby Fire Department will be remembered, celebrated and commemorated by holding Badge Number 490 in a special place in our history. Ray will always be a significant part of our Department, as we are forever in his debt for his selfless contributions, professionalism and commitment to the team.”