Andrew Alexander Sarka

Andrew Sarka, 77, of East Lake Ainslie, Cape Breton, passed away peacefully, with Cynthia & Kyle by his side, on May 20th, 2026, at the Queen Elizabeth Health Sciences Centre, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Andy was born on December 3, 1948, in New Waterford. He was the youngest son of Ida and Gaza Sarka. Andy graduated from Central School and went on to attend St. Francis Xavier University, where he completed his Bachelor of Arts (‘72) and Bachelor of Education (‘78). Immediately after graduation from St. FX, Andy moved to East Lake Ainslie and began teaching on Waycobagh First Nation. This move allowed him to find his passion for teaching and a community that truly shaped the person he was. After his years in education, Andy began a new chapter with the Canada Revenue Agency, retiring in 2007. Andy was known for his love of nature. He was an avid outdoorsman, with a passion for hunting and fishing. He loved fast cars, campfires, and finding solitude on his front porch. Andy was an avid reader, writer, and thinker and truly loved lengthy conversations and story telling. Andy was also a hard worker, a characteristic instilled in him from his youth, as seen through his daily work in his wood pile. Most importantly of all, Andy was an “all in” kind of man. His commitment, loyalty and love, was given with every ounce of who he was. He lived every day for his family, friends, and especially his grandchildren. Andy will fondly be remembered for visits in his kitchen, with a cup of coffee or dark rum waiting for whoever stopped in. Throughout his life, Andy experienced the loss of many people he loved deeply. He was predeceased by his parents, Gaza and Ida Sarka; his brother, Bert; and his sister, Betty. He also mourned the passing of his mother- and father-in-law, Tom and Phyllis Sudds, with whom he shared a close and special bond. Andy was also saddened by the loss of his nephew, Matthew Sudds, and his brothers-in-law, Keith and Gary Sudds. Above all, he carried the loss of his beloved wife, Heather Sarka, who passed away in 2007, shortly after they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Andy is survived by his children Cynthia (Baldwin) and Kyle (Alyssa) both of Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is also survived by his grandchildren that he loved with all of his heart: Madelyn and Ida Rigby, and Hayley and Reilly Sarka. Andy is survived by his sister-in-law Darlene Sudds and brother-in-law Wayne (Karen) Sudds, numerous nieces and nephews and friends like family. Papa, you lived a life you loved. A life you were so proud of. A life that gave us so much love and so many memories. We know you will always be with us. It is never goodbye, and so we will see you later. A celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 30 at 3pm. The reception will be at Andy’s House, 3280 East Lake Ainslie. All are welcome. In memory of Andy, and in lieu of flowers, we ask you to plant a tree, watch the sunset, or sit by the water and watch the clouds roll past.

Andrew Alexander Sarka

December 3, 1948 - May 20, 2026