“When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?”

Karen Naomi Ikeda passed away peacefully at home on September 12, 2025, surrounded by love and in accordance with her wishes, with her soulmate Robert at her side. A remarkable woman, Karen will be remembered for her dedication to her profession as an investment advisor, her strong work ethic, keen intellect, and innate generosity.
A lifelong native of Vancouver, BC, Karen started a career in finance at the age of 20, after joining the Roger’s Group (TRG) as an administrative assistant. She worked at TRG for a number of years, eventually and serendipitously meeting her life partner, Robert, at the Vancouver Sea Festival in 1987. As the saying goes “the rest is history” with Karen and Rob enjoying 38 years together.
Early in their relationship, Rob took a job opportunity in Toronto and Karen left TRG to join him there. Ultimately, they moved back to Vancouver and Karen joined her former TRG colleague, John Nicola, at the Nicola Group. There, she would spend the remainder of her distinguished financial planning career.
Karen’s career at Nicola was extraordinary. She earned her Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) and
Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), designations, while winning six awards as Top Professional Advisor in Canada. Most notably, she received the Mandeville Private Client Award for Canadian Advisor of the Year in 2021 from Wealth Professional, becoming the first woman to rank number one on this prestigious list. This success stemmed from Karen’s exceptional work ethic and her remarkable ability to earn her clients’ trust.
Karen and Rob enjoyed travelling and did so extensively – visiting Europe several times, Australia, Japan, the UK, Hawaii and Mexico – combining their love of travel with their love of tennis, attending all four Grand Slam tournaments.
In early 2022, Karen received the devastating diagnosis of Leiomyosarcoma, a rare cancer. After surgery, she courageously returned
to work but made the difficult decision to retire later that year when the cancer recurred. Karen then focused all her energy on fighting the disease with characteristic discipline, determination, and courage. Despite a poor prognosis, she persisted – pursuing drug trials and enduring countless treatments in her quest for a cure.
Over four years, cancer took its toll, including the loss of her signature long hair. True to form, Karen briefly mourned this loss before deciding to “rock the toque,” which she wore with her typical fashion flair, eventually collecting a variety suitable for any occasion.
Family was central to Karen’s life – whether it was taking her mother on weekly shopping trips, or attending (or cooking) family dinners. Her remaining free time was spent with Rob – keeping fit by working out and playing tennis. As her illness progressed and she was no longer able to workout, she took long walks —whether it was walking from her home in Vancouver to Science World or in Marina Del Rey, Venice Beach or Santa Monica where she travelled to for cancer treatments at the Sarcoma Centre. When long walks became impossible, she chose shorter routes, enjoying the fresh air and appreciating the beauty in the trees and flowers she would encounter on her route.
After four years of treatments, trial drugs and their difficult side effects, Karen’s body had taken all it could withstand. In her final days, she had the opportunity to say goodbye to many of the people who will mourn her absence. In her characteristically caring way, she reassured those she was leaving behind that she would finally be at peace and free from pain.
Karen’s family will remember her not only for her generous gift-giving but for sharing invaluable advice about life, career, and finances. She served as a role model for her nieces and nephews, demonstrating what could be accomplished through hard work and determination – both in her career success and in the courage she showed after her diagnosis. An accomplished cook, Karen created some of the family’s most treasured dishes: panko-crusted baked salmon, beef wellington, her signature Caesar salad, buttery potatoes, and perfectly stir-fried vegetables.
Karen will also be remembered for her fierce competitive spirit in everything from Battleship and Pictionary to cards and outdoor games. When she and Rob played on opposing teams, the family learned to expect fireworks, as neither would give an inch in their take-no-prisoners approach to any competition.
Karen is survived by her partner of 38 years, Rob; her mother, Mitsuko; her brothers Brian (Chris), Greg, and Glenn; and her brother-in-law Mike (Kim). She also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews – Tyler, Sean, Devon, Mika, Alison, Haley, Jamie, and Daniel – along with their partners, and a special grand-niece, Naomi, who was named in Karen’s honor. Karen’s unwavering dedication to family and the love and loyalty she embodied served as a powerful example of what it truly means to be family – showing up for one another with kindness and care. Her legacy of compassion has left an indelible imprint on all those she leaves behind.
True to her character, Karen’s final thoughts centred on gratitude – for the meaningful relationships she had cultivated throughout her life and for the loving care Rob provided during her final months. Even in those last hours, her selfless nature shone through as she asked that we care for Rob in her absence.

Miss me a little, but not for long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that once we shared
Miss me, but let me go…
For this is a journey we all must take
And each must go alone.
It’s all part of the master plan
A step on the road to home.

by Christina Rossetti

Celebration of life is held October 16 th from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Karen’s memory to either BC Cancer, Raven Song Community Health, or the Red Cross.