April 11, 1972 – January 22, 2023

It is with extreme sadness that the family of David Kirk Hentschel announces his unexpected and sudden passing on January 22, 2023.

He is survived by his wife Shay and daughter Amelia, his parents Erna McCulla (Mark) and Guido Hentschel, his  sister Lisa Lanaway (Jeremy) and nieces Hadley and Esme, step-sisters Kathleen McCulla,  Sally Ann Reiss (Peter), Karen McCulla (Shara) and their families, cousins Patricia Coletsis and Theron Knape and their families, and relatives in Germany, his mother-in-law Darleen (Ken) Ante, father-in-law Garry Best and brother-in-law Ryan Best.

He was predeceased by his grandparents Amalia and Gustav Ofenbeck of Vernon, Emmy and Bruno Hentschel of Berlin, Germany, aunt Jutta Caverzan of Burnaby, aunts Ute and Gudrun of Berlin.

Dave was born at St. Paul’s hospital in Vancouver, B.C. on April 11, 1972 to Erna and Guido Hentschel.  When he was a year old his family moved to Vernon where they built a house on their family property in the BX. His sister Lisa was born soon afterward and they grew up surrounded by a loving extended family. He attended BX Elementary School and graduated from VSS.

Dave worked for NOYFSS in Vernon and then after completing his Social Work degree he worked in Burnaby for the Ministry of Children and Family Development.  Later he worked in Fernie while completing his Master’s degree in Social Work. In 2006, his heart and career led him back to Vernon where he continued his work for MCFD in Vernon, Kamloops, Kelowna and finally Fort St. James.  Dave was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his job and will be remembered for his dedication to his profession.

In 2010 Dave met the love of his life Shay and they were married less than a year later. In 2014 their daughter Amelia made their family complete. Amelia was the apple of David’s eye and his love for her was unconditional.

Dave was a loyal member of the BX Swan Lake Firehall for 16 years and his fellow firefighters are saddened and shocked by his passing. They will miss his commitment, friendship and brotherhood.

Dave’s faith was extremely important to him and he was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Dave lived his life with acts of love, service and purpose.

Dave loved sports, and, as well as playing soccer, he was a youth soccer coach for NOYSA. He enjoyed fishing, playing chess, squash and both downhill and cross-country skiing. He also enjoyed biking on the Rail Trail with his family.

Dave will be missed by his friends from The Roster. His laugh will echo along the walls of the squash courts and pub for years to come. Dave was a proud husband, father and uncle, a caring brother and son, and a loyal and trustworthy friend.  Enjoying time with Shay, cross-country skiing with Amelia, working at the firehall, spending time with his dad, having family dinners at his mom’s and laughing with his friends were his favourite pastimes.

Dave was happiest surrounded by his family and friends. He was generous to a fault and would have given the shirt off his back if needed. He had strong opinions and values and he was always ready to lend a hand and offer advice. Dave did everything with honesty and integrity and is described by his friends as ‘the salt of the earth’.

Dave was taken from us too soon and his passing will leave a hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A memorial service will take place at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 11^th at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3412 – 15^th Ave., Vernon, B.C. The service will also be livestreamed.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rob LeNoury Foundation through The Roster Sports Club.

Arrangements in care of Pleasant Valley Funeral Home, Vernon, B.C. 250-542-4333