KOEHN, David

October 15, 1927 — August 6, 2015

David Koehn, of Kelowna, BC was born to John and Mary Koehn in La Salle, Manitoba on October 15, 1927. He passed away peacefully after a brief illness on August 6, 2015 at the age of 87.

David was the eldest of nine children. When he was one year old, the family moved to Winnipeg. He became a Christian by accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour at an early age. As was customary in those days for the older children in the family, he quit school at age 15 to work at Dyck’s Box Factory. He worked hard and gave his money to his parents to support the growing family until he reached the age of 20. At age 17, he was baptized and became a member of North Kildonan MB Church. He was very involved in church activities, where he met Betty Klassen, the young lady who would become the love of his life.

In 1946, the Koehn family (10 at the time) moved to Yarrow, BC. It was there that David became a very skilled hard-working carpenter. He enjoyed his career as a carpenter and did impeccable work. When in BC, he couldn’t forget Betty and made several trips to Winnipeg to see her. Then, in June of 1949 he left his job in BC and stated he was staying in Winnipeg until Betty married him. They were married on September 24, 1949.

Since winters were very cold in Winnipeg for a carpenter, they moved to Yarrow, BC 9 months after their wedding. There they rented a small place and purchased 2 acres of land where he built their first home. His various jobs often took him out of the area. Finally he landed good employment in Chilliwack. They were blessed with 2 children: a daughter Carol, and 3 1/2 years later, a son, Gordon. Dave and Betty became members of the Yarrow MB Church. It was there that David followed his passion for serving the Lord by greeting and ushering for over 20 years. Together as a couple, they served faithfully as deacons during that time as well.

Just before retirement, David built their larger home next to the first one. After 39 years in Yarrow, they sold both of their homes and moved to Kelowna to join their daughter, Carol and her family. It was here that David built their last home and really enjoyed doing so in his early retirement. His skills as a carpenter, cabinet maker and finish carpenter served him well. In his shop, he built many wood projects, giving them as gifts to his wife, children and grandchildren. Eventually, it was felt that it would be best to downsize and move into a condominium in 2002.

David will always be remembered for his sense of humour, contagious laugh, and easy-going nature. He was a faithful prayer warrior for his family, and often prayed “that he would be a light in this dark world”. He loved Betty, their children, 5 grandsons, and the 12 great-grandchildren.

Dave was the most faithful, loving husband and caregiver that any wife could ask for, many times going the second mile. He will be greatly missed by his wife Betty of more than 65 years, his children Carol (Jim) Stobbe, Gordon (Bonny) Koehn, grandchildren Michael (Kris) Stobbe, David (Sara) Stobbe, Graham (Mandy) Stobbe, Ryan (Pam) Koehn, Dallas Koehn, and 12 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a great-grandchild, Leah Joy, and 3 siblings, John, Mary and Helen.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 18^th, 2015 at 1:00 pm at Willow Park Church at 439 Hwy 33W, in Kelowna, BC. For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences”.