We Remember

KOTSCH, Heinz

July 4, 1929 — March 12, 2014

Heinz was born in Magdeburg, Germany to parents Hildegard Martha and Friedrich Will Hermann Kotsch. He had to care for his mother who was expecting her second child because his father was in a prison camp. Heinz had to take her to the hospital when the baby, Helmar, was born. When Heinz was in University the Second World War broke out and Hitler enlisted students into his army. Heinz did not want anything to do with Hitler so he took his bicycle with his backpack and fled at night; he slept during the day and ate what food he could find on his escape from East Germany. Heinz saw terrible things during the war, things which are often carried into a person’s future. He went to Hanover, in West Germany where he met his first wife, Sigrid. They married and had their first child, Sylvia. He worked in Hanover until immigrating alone to Canada in 1952, arriving by ship in Montreal.  From there he went to Winnipeg but was told that he could find work in Saskatoon, so he traveled there and found employment. It was important to bring young Sylvia to Canada before she reached her first birthday, because her passage would be free and he would have only Sigrid’s fare to pay. In Saskatoon, four more children were born, rounding out the family at five: Sylvia (Patrick), Dirkson (Linda), Vivian, Sheila, and Gina (Jon). Heinz retired early and he and Sigrid used to travel to Arizona for the winters. Each of the children started to move to B.C., with the exception of Sylvia who settled in Calgary. In time Heinz and Sigrid also moved to BC, in October 1996. Dirkson and Linda were the last of the children to move here. Heinz and Sigrid have ten grandchildren: Joelle, Ben, Chris, Grace, Jacob, Rachelle, Mark, Madison, Alexandra (Alex), and Samara, and three great grandchildren, Tesai, Chantelle, and Payton. Heinz and Sigrid attended the Mission Creek Alliance Church. He suffered from Parkinson’s. Sigrid passed away in January of 2004. He was so very, very lonely after her passing; eventually he met Marion and they were married in May of 2005. Very soon after he developed dementia and was placed into care at Lakeview Lodge.  A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 21, 2014 at 11:00 am at the Mission Creek Alliance Church, 2091 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson Society, British Columbia (www.parkinson.bc.ca). 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.”

Service
Friday, March 21, 2014 at 11:00 am

Location
Mission Creek Alliance Church

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Parkinson Society, British Columbia Link: www.parkinson.bc.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for KOTSCH, Heinz is scheduled for Friday, March 21, 2014 at 11:00 am . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Mission Creek Alliance Church

2091 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Megan Coakley says:
    March 18, 2014 at 11:42 am

    I am so very sorry to hear of Heinz passing. My prayers and thought are with you all at this trying time.
    Love Megan and family

    Reply
  • Neil and Mona Sikal says:
    March 19, 2014 at 4:05 am

    Our condolences to you and your family Vivian. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Neil and Mona and Family

    Reply
  • pat wolfe says:
    March 19, 2014 at 7:52 am

    my condolences to you dirk and all your family

    Reply
  • Ken & Carol Dalke says:
    March 19, 2014 at 11:00 am

    Sorry to read of Heinz’ passing. We have fond memories of when he and Sigrid lived next door in Saskatoon. Our thoughts are with you through this difficult time. Sincerely, Ken & Carol Dalke.

    Reply
  • Merlis Belsher says:
    March 19, 2014 at 12:11 pm

    I am sorry to learn of Heinz’s passing. I met Heinz when he was in business with Hagblom Construction. We were a supplier of concrete blocks. He was a very hard working bricklayer. My sincere condolences to all his family. Warm memories will remain of knowing Heinz.

    Reply
  • Phyllis Andersen says:
    March 19, 2014 at 9:53 pm

    Dear Marion, I am still in California, but on checking the Kelowna Courier I see that Heinz has been called home. I want to send my condolences to you and the other family members. May God bring comfort to you all in the days to come.

    Reply
  • Jackie Davy (Reiter) says:
    April 7, 2014 at 8:26 am

    Our condolences on Heinz’s passing. We have many good memories from our childhoods spending time together with all of you, and want you to know our thoughts are with you.
    All our best, Jackie Davy (Reiter) and Chris Reiter

    Reply

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