April 24th, 1933 – August 14th, 2020

Gene passed peacefully at Hospice House on Friday, August 14, 2020, at the age of 87. He is survived by Janice, his loving wife of over 17 years; his four children Valery (Jay) Wheelhouse, Janet (Dave) McConkey, Rob (Linda), and Gina (Myles) Flaig; his seven grandchildren Jen (James), Nicole (Patrick), Devon, Liam (Jackie), Colin (Megan), Alessia, and Declan; two great-grandchildren Thomas and Zoë. He is also missed by Janice’s children Kyla Fesik and Tyler (Fleur) Wiens; grandchildren Darby, Maddy, Soleil, and Mack. Further remembered by his sister Loni (Rolf) Grages, and brother Waldy (Elfrieda), as well as many extended family and friends in Canada, Germany, Ireland and the U.S. He was predeceased by his wife of over 40 years, Liz, parents Gustav and Lydia, and his brother George.

Gene was born in Szczawin, Poland; the oldest of four children. The family immigrated to Canada from Germany in April of 1952. Gene first lived in Taber and Calgary before the family settled in Lavington in 1954.

In his construction career, Gene was a hard working carpenter and foreman on projects that spanned the province. After retiring in 1998, he continued to keep busy with projects, big and small, for family and friends. Gene and Janice enjoyed working in their garden, playing cards, travelling, and visiting with friends and family. He lives on in our hearts.

There will be a celebration of life at a later date. The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to the staff and volunteers at Hospice House; the nurses and support staff of 2 West at VJH; the McMurtry-Baerg Cancer Centre; Dr. Chris Cunningham; Dr. Ed Hardy; Dr. Allison Rankin.

As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so, may send donations in memory of Gene to the North Okanagan Hospice Society.

 

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Pleasant Valley Funeral Home,

Phone: 250-542-4333

Condolences may be offered at www.pleasantvalleyfh.com