We Remember

HEMERLING, Herbert “Herb”

March 2, 1930 — May 2, 2021

On May 2, 2021, Herbert Hemerling went to be with the Lord, at the age of 91, in Kelowna, British Columbia. Herb will be lovingly remembered by his wife Shirley; daughter Heather; and son Stuart (Tanja). Herb will also be fondly remembered by his grandchildren Ryan, Courtney, and Anathalia. Also left to mourn his passing are his sisters Betty Ann (Bob) and Janet (Al); his brother Clarence (Lynn); and his many nieces and nephews and their children. Herb was predeceased by his parents Fred and Emma Hemmerling, of Kelowna; his step-mother Traute, of Kelowna; his brothers Helmut and Otto, of Kelowna, and William, of Vancouver.

Herb was born on March 2, 1930 in Lemberg, Saskatchewan. The family moved to Kelowna when Herb was 6 years old.  At an early age Herb accepted the Lord as his saviour and was baptised.  In his teens, it was discovered that Herb had a very gifted singing voice; his talent was further developed through voice lessons from a renowned voice instructor. Herb attended Bible college at Three Hills, Alberta for one year and then Sioux Falls College for one year.  During that time Herb performed in a Men’s Quartet, and then in Kelowna with his brother Otto, Archie Bredin and John Paschold.  Herb enjoyed singing praises to God.

Herb’s career started at the Bank of Nova Scotia for a year, and then he took a course in accounting.  He then moved to Vancouver, British Columbia to join Simpsons Sears.  He sang in the choir at Ebenezer Baptist where he met Shirley.  A short time later, they married.  After working for Simpson Sears for a few years, Herb was sent to Toronto, Ontario to be their auditor, and he travelled coast to coast.  Herb was transferred to the store in Peterborough, Ontario to be the comptroller, and then later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.  He left the company in 1974 and the family moved to Kelowna and Herb joined BC Tree Fruits.

Herb enjoyed using his talents teaching Bible classes as well as singing in the choir.  Herb served as treasurer for Trinity Baptist, and he was also privileged to offer his expertise as treasurer for Habitat for Humanity for 6 years, as well as offering his tax expertise for family and friends during tax season.  Herb and Shirley assisted in the shipping of containers to the Cameroon Baptist mission field.  For a few weeks in 1998, Herb and Shirley were able to spend time in Cameroon and Herb was delighted to have the opportunity to set up their accounting system.

Herb not only loved to challenge his mind through reading and stimulating conversation, but he also loved to work with his hands renovating and gardening.  He designed and built the family home in Glenmore and then went on to do major renovations in the home he retired in.  He was an avid enthusiast of hockey and football and, if you knew Herb well, you were often subjected to the one-line pun.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NABC Missions (Cameroon, Central Africa) c/o Trinity Church, 1905 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC V1Y 7V7, www.trinitychurchkelowna.ca/missions

A Funeral Service will be held to honour Herb, however due to the current pandemic restrictions it will be by invitation only. The family would like to invite all who want to pay their respects to join by Livestream on FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021, AT 10:00 AM PST. (see below) A recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

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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NABC Missions (Cameroon, Central Africa) c/o Trinity Church, 1905 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC V1Y 7V7 Link: www.trinitychurchkelowna.ca/missions

 


 


Condolences

  • David & Ann Heaslip says:
    May 6, 2021 at 1:02 pm

    Shirley and Family,
    Our memories of Herb go back a long way when Herb would come to Alta Vista Baptist to be our guest
    soloist. We were all “young people “ then. Probably 45 years or so later we end up in the same church at Trinity. A lifetime is like a day in the eyes of our Lord. Our condolences to all the family.
    David & Ann Heaslip

    Reply
  • Trudy Patzer says:
    May 7, 2021 at 8:22 am

    My deepest sympathy on your loss. How well I remember the years you lived in Winnipeg and the friendship we developed. He was always willing and generous in sharing the many talents God had gifted him with. May you be comforted with God’s peace and love and the memories of a long well lived life.

    Reply
  • Gary & Twyla Schlenker says:
    May 7, 2021 at 9:56 am

    Shirley, Heather & Stuart
    Thinking of you as you celebrate a man who loved and cherished each of you. Praying God’s peace with you in the days to come where memories will flood your heart and soul.

    Reply
  • Pat hemmerling says:
    May 7, 2021 at 9:57 am

    Condolences to Shirley and family in the passing of Herbert.. I remember him. He was best man at our wedding.

    Reply
  • Shirley Guthrie(Hemmerling) says:
    May 7, 2021 at 10:48 am

    Thank you for allowing me to live stream the service. Thank you to Stuart who shared his heart. Our condolences to you Aunt Shirley, Heather & Stuart. We have the memories that shall never die, but remain in our hearts.

    Reply
  • Dave and Janice Hait says:
    May 7, 2021 at 10:49 am

    From us to all the family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. It is a tough time, miss being there in
    person.

    Reply
  • David Hemerling says:
    May 7, 2021 at 12:48 pm

    Dear Aunt Shirley, My deepest condolences to you, Heather and Stuart. I have nothing but wonderful memories of my dear Uncle Herb. Staying at your home during my childhood, more times than I can remember, was always a highlight of my summer.
    Thinking of you during this difficult time.
    Love, David Hemerling

    Reply
  • Cynthia Pyde says:
    May 7, 2021 at 8:25 pm

    Hello, dear Aunt Shirley. Aahhh. I SO appreciated the most-beautiful and genuine tribute paid to Uncle Herb today. Thank you. You were a most-remarkable couple. We always looked forward to your visits!! Fondly, Cynthia. Still in Prince Rupert :). Life is so very interesting. Grateful for every remembrance and reminder of those who have gone before us. XOXO

    Reply
  • MP Tracy Gray says:
    May 17, 2021 at 11:01 am

    I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
    Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country

    Reply
  • Merle morphy says:
    May 23, 2021 at 12:44 pm

    Just watched the beautiful memorial by livestream. My love goes out to you Shirley and your family. My prayers are with you all.

    Reply
  • Verna Peter says:
    June 13, 2021 at 3:26 pm

    So sorry to hear, belatedly, of Herb’s passing, as I saw his name among a list of recent home-goings from among the Adult Fellowship Group at Trinity. I appreciate the memories of our times together in Winnipeg and our regular connections over the years. God bless his memory. Sincerely, Verna Peter.

    Reply

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