We Remember
PETKAU, Harry Raymond
—
Harry went to be with his Lord on March 6, 2013 at the age of 67 after a 14 month battle with cancer. He was a devoted follower of Jesus and emulated the character of God in every aspect of his life. Harry lived his life to the glory of God right up to his last breath.
Born August 10, 1945, Harry was raised in Manitoba, and followed his family to Kelowna in 1964, where he met and fell in love with his future wife, Marian. They were married in 1969, moved to Cranbrook in 1977, and then back to Kelowna in 1986.
Harry was an adoring husband and father who cherished his wife and led his children with loving guidance. Always making decisions based on their impact on his family, Harry spent many afternoons in high school gyms, at dance recitals, and around baseball diamonds, cheering on his children and grandchildren.
Harry worked in the residential construction industry for over 45 years, mainly in Kelowna and Cranbrook, and was respected and trusted by all who knew him. He was a craftsman who prized quality, excellence, and efficiency. In everything he did, his aim was to bring glory to God.
Harry was often heard saying, “Everyone has a story. Take the time to listen.” Because he practiced what he preached, Harry had a profound impact on almost everyone he met. His entire demeanor was one of love and his smile was infectious.
Dearly missing him are Marian, his best friend of 48 years and loving wife of almost 44 years, sons Ron (Julie) and Grant (Christie), daughter Sharilyn (Matthew Mordaunt), and adoring grandchildren Ryan, Miranda, Ciara, Noah, Thomas, Ella, Katrina, and Naomi. Also left to mourn are his loving parents, Frank and Mary Petkau, sister Lorraine Slavica, brothers Ed (Neta) and Robert (Sherry), and nieces and nephews.
He is sorely missed, but even in our sorrow, we can rejoice that we will meet him again in Heaven, where the Lord is placing a crown on his head, and saying these words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
A celebration of Harry’s life will be held at Mission Creek Alliance Church (corner Springfield and Cooper) on Thursday, March 14 at 1:00 pm. For those wishing to make a donation in his honour, the family requests that these be made to Kelowna Gospel Mission, P.O. Box 22087, Capri P.O., Kelowna, BC, V1Y 9N9. For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or memories, may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences”.
Service
Thursday, March 14 at 1:00 pm
Location
Mission Creek Alliance Church
Share with Others:
Kelowna Gospel Mission, P.O. Box 22087, Capri P.O., Kelowna, BC, V1Y 9N9.
Service Information
Service Details
The service for PETKAU, Harry Raymond is scheduled for Thursday, March 14 at 1:00 pm. 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
Grant,Christie,Ciara & Noah
Thinking of you all during this difficult time,and know that your happy memories and faith will comfort you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love The Cavaghan family
We are so sorry to hear of your loss….we will miss his smiling face and kind words when we would see you walking through the neighorhood. Thinking of you and your’e family at this time.
Your neighbors from across the street..
Grant,Christie, Ciara, Noah
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. May you have very fond memories of your father and grandfather.
Love from Louise & Jim Radies
Grant, Christie, Ciara, Noah
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May you have very fond memories of your father, grandfather.
Jim & Louise Radies
I was very sorry to hear of Zae’s sudden passing. She & I were good friends from the time we were five years old. I used to go to her birthday parties where, if it was warm, we would roll down our stockings, and skip rope on her front sidewalk. Spring always seemed to coincide with her birthday, with lovely warmth after a long cold winter.
She & I were figure skating partners from Grade V through till we left high school. My mother usually made our skating costumes, and there were many costumes over the years. Several times we traveled to little towns along the rail line, having been invited to perform at their annual carnivals. After one skating performance in Preeceville, Sask., we boarded the train for home, but made it only as far as the next town (Sturgis.) A March blizzard had blown in, and all trains were stranded. We had spent nearly 24 hours in the train station before the townspeople of Sturgis heard of our plight. They came and got us, and asked us to put on a little skating show at their hockey rink. News travels fast in a small town, and soon the rink was filled with every school kid and their parents. We had our own music and costumes with us, and we were thrilled to entertain those good people. The snowplows eventually cleared the tracks, and we arrived back home in Nipawin, a day late.
My sincere sympathies to all Zae’s family.
M. Nevison 5565 Moriarty Crescent
Prince George, B.C. V2N 3P7
Sorry to hear about your loss. Our prayers are with you. Fern and Andrea
Grant and family,
Sorry to hear of Harry’s passing.I will miss his infectious smile and gentle demeanor,he was a real gentleman.
Marian and Family
I was saddened to read of Harry’s passing. Much too young! My thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Treasure your memories.
Dearest Marian, Grant & Christie, Sharilyn & Matt and all the grand kids. So sorry for the loss of a great and Godly man. Our prayers, support and love go out to you during this time. We pray that you will feel the peace and presence of our Great Comforter and Savior now and in the days to come.
With love, Malcolm & Shirley Green
Marian and family – Heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you all. We appreciated you sharing your memories and love with all of us in such a beautiful way today. What a tribute to a very special man of God! Your wishes were fulfilled as the Lord was honoured in a tangible manner. Thank you and may God’s Peace be with you all.
Dear Marian and family: My deepest condolences to you. Harry will always be remembered as a kind, positive and genuine man.He will be greatly missed, he is gone to a place with no mo pain. Much love and prayers.
Marion. Please accept my condolences. I lost my wife 2 years ago in difficult circumstances. I know how difficult it can be. Dan
Dear Ron and Grant,
I offer my deepest condolences on the passing of your father. It has been many years, but I do remember your family very well. Later in life I came to realize the strong values your parents were imprinting on you; you were blessed to have such a strong role model in your life. Cherish the memories, they are worth more to us than we could ever imagine.
God Bless-Jason Lewis
Marian, please accept my apologies for these delayed condolences. I just learned of Harrys’ passing when my husband was preparing the memorial stone for Harry. Know that he is not forgotten. What a great guy he was and what a great smile he had. I am hoping that time has begun its healing, and that your memories now bring more quiet smiles to your heart than tears.