Dad who drowned in Kelowna trying to save daughter sparks community support for his family

In the days since a Delta father of four drowned in Kelowna while trying to save his daughter who had slipped into Mill Creek, friends and family have come forward with support.

Isbah Bader is a family member of Kashif Sheikh, and recently created a GoFundMe page for his funeral expenses and the care of his wife and children. So far, it's raised close to $13,000 in support.

"Every individual who had the blessing of being in the company of Kashif remembers him as a loving, caring, gentle, beautiful and smiling soul. Adored by his wife, loved by his four children, and admired by family and friends, his kindness left a mark on all of us," Bader wrote.

"He was being a father when he suddenly left this world on Father’s Day. Each penny will go towards Kashif’s funeral expenses, academic expenses for the children, and care for his wife and kids. Whether you donate or not, please take a moment to pray for him and his family as you read this. Kashif – we love you, we miss you, and we know you are getting a beautiful spot in heaven."

Sheikh, 46, drowned Sunday, June 21, while attempting to help his 13-year-old daughter who had fallen into the water near Mill Creek Falls. She managed to climb out, but Kashif did not.

Friend and co-worker Ray Arneja of National Realty Corp said Sheikh was a "true hero."

“He was a really nice person, always smiling, always relaxed and always wanted to help others," he said. "He was born to help others… he was always relaxed and always smiling."

Kelowna RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy said that bystanders were able to pull him from the water and begin CPR efforts, which were subsequently taken over by B.C. Emergency Health Services.

“Despite the best efforts of everyone involved, the 46-year-old man could not be resuscitated and passed away,” she said. “RCMP Victim Services is providing support to the witnesses and the victim’s family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.”

The B.C. Coroners Service is also investigating to determine how, where, when and by what means he came to his death.

His death was one of two Okanagan drowning deaths over the weekend. A 32-year-old Vernon man also drowned when jumping from the cliffs on Kalamalka Lake.

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