REDLICH, Albert

August 10, 1935 — November 22, 2023

It is with heartfelt sadness we announce that Albert Redlich, of Kelowna, BC passed away peacefully at age 88 on November 22, 2023 after recently declining health.

Albert was born on August 10, 1935 in Forestburg, Alberta to A. Herman & Susanna Redlich and moved to Kelowna as a young boy at a time when Kelowna was still a small town. Growing up on a farm by Redlich Pond in Glenmore as one of ten siblings, he had lots of humorous tales to tell.  He loved to swim and recounted not only swimming across Okanagan Lake but skating across it one extra cold winter.

As a young man, he spent a brief time living in a boarding house in Vancouver and worked sanding hardwood floors.  He was soon drawn back to Kelowna and ended up working for the local plywood plant, Crown Zellerbach which eventually became Tolko, for 36 years until his retirement at age 61.  Being a plywood grader was a job that he never seemed to tire of and he would come home happiest at the end of the day when production had been high – just the kind of employee everyone wants! It was there that he met the love of his life, Tina Wiebe, and after a brief courtship, they wed on November 20, 1965.  He and his wife Tina welcomed their first child, Rodney in 1967, followed quickly by daughters Lynnda in 1968, and Shelley in 1971.  The three young ones kept their mom busy during the day and after work, Albert would spend some time with “horsey” rides or reading stories– after reading the paper and watching the news, that is.  The Kelowna Daily Courier was only second to the Bible as essential reading for Albert who was a long time member of Willow Park Church.  He loved watching sports and faithfully cheered on the Lions and Canucks year after year, win or (more often than not) lose.  He also had a passion for fishing, trolling in his little aluminum boat with whoever was willing to join, and later flyfishing in his bellyboat.  He even tied his own fishing flies but usually had trouble accepting that they were “good enough” – they were!  He was known to never raise his voice and be very slow to anger but could become a firecracker at times about the oddest things and didn’t seem to have a problem voicing some of his opinions – welcomed or not.  This was always a source of surprise, amusement, or, yes, embarrassment.  He enjoyed poetry and cutouts of poems could be found randomly around the house, and in his late 80’s could still recite a lengthy poem memorized in his youth.  He was even known to write a few himself.  In his retirement years, he also enjoyed early mornings with his coffee buddies at McDonald’s and A&W, as well as crossword puzzles and playing pool, scrabble and cribbage.

Albert is survived by his children, Rodney Redlich (wife Jodi, son Douglas), Lynnda Underwood (husband Regan, children Moriah, Paul, Hannah, Abigail, Elijah and Mary), and Shelley Letkemann (husband James, children Noah, Emma and Jonathan); and siblings Agnes Stuerle (husband Hugo), William Redlich (wife Janice) and Edith Hagen (partner Glen), along with a large extended family. Sadly, Albert was predeceased by his loving wife, Tina, and siblings, Elli Giesbrecht, Jerry Redlich (surviving wife Lillian), Ruth Welder, George Redlich (wife Glenna), Henry Redlich (surviving wife Linda), and Lil Blackman (surviving husband Francis).

Albert expressed genuine appreciation for the extra care, patience, love, and support he received from family, friends, and caregivers in his final months and the family sincerely thanks each one of you.  His memory will be cherished by all those blessed to have called him family and friend.

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