Charles Elmer Kuiper

January 25th, 1946 – February 28th, 2021

Charlie passed away peacefully at his home in Falkland, BC on Sunday, February 28th, 2021 after a valiant battle with lung cancer. Charlie is survived by his son Devon and his sisters Sue & Carmen.

Born Ilmars Karlis Kuiper in Bad Rehburg, Germany to parents Bert and Elza. The family immigrated to Canada from Holland when Charlie was a young age. Growing up in the Lower Mainland of BC, Charlie quickly discovered his passion for the Harley Davidson motorcycle. But Charlie was a man of many talents. He enjoyed working on his own cars and knew how to build with everything from wood to concrete. He was an accomplished pilot and owned his own airplane.

Charlie married Gloria in 1969 and had son Devon in 1973. Following in his father Bert’s footsteps, Charlie worked for BC Hydro and was eventually transferred with wife Gloria and son Devon to Terrace, BC in 1975. His talents in being able to build almost anything, found him in the role of foreman on numerous BC Hydro construction projects throughout the province. Some of these projects were in remote locations and he would often be away from home for extended periods.

During this time, Charlie accepted a transfer to Cranbrook, BC. While in Cranbrook, Charlie sold his airplane and converted a car garage into his first motorcycle shop – V-Twin Dynamics. This new shop would be short-lived however as after only a few years, the family would return to Terrace. But Charlie’s eventual plan was already in motion. Charlie would soon leave BC Hydro to find his path to live life as he wanted. At the new home in Terrace, Charlie converted an old barn into a motorcycle shop that would be named V-Twin Techniques. He spent many late nights honing his skills and expanding his talents. The music would often be cranked and many a beer would be shared with friends.

In the early 90s, Charlie would separate from his wife Gloria and move to Vernon, BC where he would be closer to his parents who were now living in Summerland. In Vernon with his partner Bev, he would once again build a new shop, this time from the ground up. It wasn’t long before he found himself wanting to be outside

the city and in 2000 Charlie and Bev would move to Falkland, BC where once again he would build a shop from the ground up. In 2011, Charlie and Bev would separate. But Charlie had found happiness in his little piece of paradise and would enjoy his time spent working away on numerous jobs and projects.

Charlie was able to build, fix or repair almost anything. He had amazing talent when it came to the Harley engine. And if he needed a tool or piece of equipment that he couldn’t find – he’d build it himself… just like his father.

He enjoyed a simple life, loved music, loved animals and appreciated the beauty of nature. He believed everything had a right to live or grow. He knew all the birds & wildlife that frequented his yard and could tell you all about their habits. He did not like a lot of attention and preferred life to be low key.

Charlie was a respected and great friend to many. He was genuine and unique. He lived life on his terms and wouldn’t welcome just anyone into “his world”. He didn’t run his motorcycle shop for the money. Life wasn’t about money to him. And if you owned a Harley, you had better know how to change the oil yourself.

A celebration of Charlie’s life will be held on Saturday, July 9th at the Hullcar Hall (4194 Hullcar Road) in Armstrong, BC at 1pm. For further information or to share your own personal story of Charlie with the family, please email his son Devon at devonk@telus.net

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pleasant Valley Funeral Home, (250) 542-4333. Condolences may be left for the family at pleasantvalleyfh.com.