KURTZ – John Felix

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John passed away peacefully with his family by his side on November 28, 2017 at the age of 91 years. John was born in Odessa, SK on August 6, 1926 and married Irma Bleau, the love of his life, on April 25, 1950 in Regina SK. They were married for nearly 67 years.  They moved to Moose Jaw, SK in 1971 to start their family business, Moose Jaw Packers.  In 2004, they moved to BC to be closer to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His success in life was due to his strong faith, hard work, fairness and integrity, and unconditional love for his family. He lived by the Serenity Prayer and was a kind and gentle husband, father and grandfather, and a friend to many. He had a gift in teaching people the importance of life and guided many who suffered and lost their way.

John was an addiction sponsor and support group leader and donated to numerous charities, Cancer Society, Red Cross, Canadian Diabetes Association, Heart and Stroke, and BC Children’s Hospital, and sponsored several foster children in developing countries. He was an active Knights of Columbus member since 1951. John, Irma and family enjoyed many years at the family cabin at East Trout Lake in northern Saskatchewan. We would often find dad helping a neighbour dig a well, fixing a motor or on his ATV making trails through the bush. John was an avid fisherman, hunter and gardener. John and Irma loved travelling and spent 23 winters at their second home in Mexico. Dad was a passionate Saskatchewan Roughrider Football fan and we enjoyed getting together and cheering with him.

John was predeceased by his wife Irma in February 2017; parents Catherine and John Kurtz; step-father John Richter, and siblings Magdalena, Josephine, Lydia, Ida, Chris, Jim, and Joe.

He will be remembered and sadly missed by his 3 children; Gregory Kurtz (Theresa), Deborah Kurtz (Alan), and Donna Kurtz.  He is cherished by his grandchildren Lucas Kurtz, Trina Shockey (Adam), David Hayward (Conni), Cameron Hayward (Alisa), Matthew Sagal (Becky), Natalie Sagal, and Alexandra Sagal (Jeff) and 13 great-grandchildren. John will be dearly missed by his siblings Helen, Dot, and Dan, and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude for the excellent care provided by the many physicians, nurses, and staff of the Kelowna General Hospital 3 East, and Hospice House Kelowna. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John Kurtz may be made to Central Okanagan Hospice House 250-7635-511, http://hospicecoha.org or Palliative Care Kelowna Hospital Foundation 250-862-4438 www.kghfoundation.com/, or the charity of your choice.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 11:00 am at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1077 Fuller Avenue, Kelowna, BC.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.