We Remember

BAUER, Franz Josef

March 12, 1936 — June 11, 2026

Franz Josef Bauer passed away peacefully in Kelowna, British Columbia, on June 11, 2026, at the age of 90. He is survived by his children Joe (Caroline) and Karin (Lisa); his grandchildren Christine, Andrea, and Thomas (Jena); and by his remaining siblings and extended family in Germany. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Beate “Betty” in January 2021.

Franz had a fondness for new cars and new homes, and a restless, curious spirit that kept life interesting right to the end. He was born on March 12, 1936, in Germany, where he built a successful career in real estate before immigrating to Canada with his family in early 1982.

Franz was a man who loved the land. A nature lover at heart, he found his greatest joy outdoors. He loved his property in the South Slopes that his family came to call “the Alm,” after the German word for mountain hut. He built a small cabin there, spent hours watching and photographing moose and their calves, and carried a deep and quiet reverence for the natural world. That beloved property is now part of Myra–Bellevue Park, permanently protected; a legacy as enduring as the man himself. (Full article linked here)

Music ran through everything he did. Franz had a gift for the harmonica and accordion and a passion for song that filled whatever room he was in. He was also the life of the party: quick with a joke, full of funny stories, and never above a good-natured prank. He and his late wife Betty entertained warmly and generously, and he loved his dog Ringo like a member of the family.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Orchard Manor and Hawthorn for the care of their beloved Franz and Betty and for supporting the whole family.

A private service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

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Alzheimer Society of Canada Link: www.alzheimer.ca

 


 


Condolences

  • Terry Armstrong says:
    June 15, 2026 at 5:25 pm

    Our heartfelt condolences to the Bauer family for the loss of their patriarch, Franz. We had the pleasure of meeting him and Betty and were made to feel so welcome! We were honoured to visit Franz’s “little bit of heaven”, and saw a moose! He and Betty gave us some soul lyrics memories to reflect on. Our hearts are with his surviving family.

    With Love – Nelson & Terry Armstrong,

    Reply
  • Richard Ellery says:
    June 17, 2026 at 12:21 pm

    Friends of the South Slopes Society wishes to express our deepest sympathies to the Bauer family. We hope that the many loving memories will ease your pain at this difficult time. A donation has been made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada in memory of Mr. Bauer.

    Reply

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