We Remember

KANT, Willibald “Willi”
—
1928 – 2023
Willi was born in a German farming colony in Poland in 1928. After WWII and some time spent working in Austria, Willi immigrated to Canada in 1953. Six months before leaving Germany, Willi and Ruth met at the AfriCola Hauschen (Cola Shack) in Hunxe. They fell in love. Once he settled in Edmonton, he sent for his fiancé Ruth Simson to come over from Germany and they were married in November 1956. Willi ran a successful carpentry business with 2 partners until 1973 when he sold his share and semi-retired to Kelowna.
Willi and Ruth had 2 children, Michael and Debbie. Living in Kelowna was a dream come true for Willi. He loved to garden and work outdoors. There was always a neighbour or friend who he could help. Willi had a talent for growing super-sized pumpkins and vegetables of all kinds. Many people benefitted from gifts of vegetables, walnuts and fruits from his garden. No one who came by left empty-handed. He was the great Dad and Opa, who was there to spend time with the children and grandchildren.
He was an active and long-term member of Christ Lutheran Church and formed many great friendships in the community. They loved to host social gatherings. In almost 65 years of marriage the themes changed: costume parties, Klondike Days in Edmonton, Sunday dinners, and hosting travellers and visitors from all over. Everyone was welcome in the Kant home. They started travelling early in retirement. Enjoying cruises and resort living with family and friends. He developed a passion for playing cards, especially Kanasta. The weekly card playing sessions were a highlight for Willi and Ruth.
If life is an adventure, Willi was the solid, stable friend you could count on. “Come on in, sit down and have a glass of wine”. He will be deeply missed by family and friends. Thank you to the caring staff on 4B at the Kelowna General Hospital and the amazing Caregivers at Kelowna Hospice House. Heartfelt thanks to friends and family for their love and support.
A service will be held to honour Willi on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 2:00 PM, at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2091 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC, with Pastor Barb Groote Officiating. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below).
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM LINK: Click here for Livestream
Service
Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 2:00 PM
Location
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2091 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC
Mike and family, so very sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. My thoughts are with you.
My Dear Tante Ruth
It is with sadness we received the news of Willi’s passing. We send our heartfelt condolences to you, Michael, Debbie and the grandchildren. May you find comfort in the love of family and friends and the memories you share.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sylvia, Gilles, Alexandre and Nicolas
Dear Ruth and Family, Our thoughts are with you at this time on the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. May the words of Jesus, “I am the Resurrection and the Life” bring you comfort and hope in the midst of your sorrow. As your journey forward, remember that God in Christ is always with you at all times and in all places. Blessed be Willi’s memory! Sending love in and through our Saviour, Pastor Jim and Ruth (Buenting)
Onkel Willi was a great friend to our family. He will be missed. Sending love and condolences to Tante Ruth, Debbie, Michael and family. Hugs, Brenda
Liebe Ruth, liebe Familie, in dieser herausfordernden Zeit der Trauer fühle ich mich mit Dir und deiner ganzen Familie in Gedanken und im Gebet verbunden. Möget ihr alle viel Trost erfahren, durcheinander Menschen, die es gut mit euch meinen, aber auch durch Gott, der uns sieht. Bleibt alle gut behütet und unter Gottes Segen. Euer Thomas Kersten