We Remember

WITT, Hans

August 29, 1934 — January 21, 2020

Hans Adalbert Witt, age 85 of Oyama, passed away peacefully at Kelowna Hospice House on January 21, 2020.

Hans was born in Brasdorf, East Prussia, on August 29, 1934.  He was one of eight children of Hans and Wanda Witt, a family who was deeply involved in the agriculture community.  At the outbreak of WWII, Hans’s life changed in ways that would shape his character and career, and which would influence the legacy of tenacity that he left his family.

In 1945, Hans, his six sisters, younger brother, and their mother fled to Schleswig-Holstein, where they were settled on a farm.  There, Hans completed his schooling and began an apprenticeship as a tool and die maker.

In 1955 the family, sponsored by the Mennonite Church, was able to immigrate to Canada.  The journey, for a young boy, was traumatic.  Despite this, he was resilient.  They settled on a farm in Virgil, Ontario, and this became home for a single mother with a very large family in their new country.  To support his family, Hans quickly obtained work as a newspaper truck driver.  Later, based on the excellence of his German apprenticeship, he was hired at GM as a tool and die maker – a job which required precision.  During this time, he also took courses at night to learn English and qualify for university, and his hard work saw him enter medical school.  He became a family doctor and then specialized in anesthesia – a career which also required precision.  By this time, he had married Nancy McAdam and they lived in various towns in BC with their two children, Heidi and Jonathan.  Sadly, his marriage did not continue.

In 1994, Hans returned to Toronto, Ontario and began working in the field of psychotherapy, a testament to his passion for lifelong learning. After a career into which he had poured his full heart and fine mind, he retired in 2005, because of love. On a visit to Kelowna, British Columbia, he met Ela Jackel and their beautiful relationship began. In short order, he decided to move to Kelowna and he and Ela were blessed with a loving relationship for 15 years.  Hans enjoyed playing bridge and was a passionate gardener. He and Ela were active at the German Club and thoroughly enjoyed the Seniors’ dances in Rutland.

Hans’s legacy is education in one hand, and family in the other.  As a young immigrant, hearing his mother’s words that “education will save your life” when home and country are gone, he took night classes while working to support his family.  He became a medical doctor, practicing anesthesia and psychotherapy. Indeed, he is a role model for anyone whose life circumstances are challenging.  His passion for lifelong learning was powerfully evidenced when he became a student once more and, at age 82 at UBCO, achieved his dream of attaining a BA. His love of learning is indeed a legacy he leaves the next generation of family. And in the same breath, it is family which grounded Hans. He traveled far and wide with Ela regularly to nurture the connections with family, and we all agree “Hans showed up.”  And in this, he role modeled the value of showing up. Family was everything to him, and we who follow him will benefit from the wise ways he prioritized relationships, ones that we can count on in good times and in hard times.

In 2018, he was diagnosed with cancer.  He underwent surgery and radiation in hopes of returning with strength to the life he loved with Ela, but in December his health challenges increased. He died peacefully at Hospice House on January 21, 2020.

Hans was predeceased by his sisters Brigitte, Elizabeth, Christa, and Barbara; and is survived by his wife Gabriele Jackel; his children Heidi Grogan (Mike) and Jonathan Witt (Anu); stepchildren Michael Jackel (Sandy), and Christine van der Lieck (Jan); his grandchildren Aidan and Abby, Mira, Sona and Ashwin, Ty and Kaia, Randy (Kelsey), Samantha (Dylan); great-grandchildren Lynden, Maveryck, and Raelyn; and his siblings Tela, Margarete and Ulrich.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kelowna Hospice House, hospicehousekelowna.com, or Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, christevangelicallutheran.com.

A Life Celebration will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2020 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Patricia Giannelia officiating at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2091 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

Service
Saturday, January 26, 2020 at 2:00 pm

Location
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church

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Kelowna Hospice House or Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church Link: hospicehousekelowna.com, christevangelicallutheran.com

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for WITT, Hans is scheduled for Saturday, January 26, 2020 at 2:00 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:

Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church

2091 Gordon Drive Kelowna, BC

Phone:


Special Requests:

None.


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Condolences

  • Jonathan Schmidtgall says:

    I’m so sorry to hear about the passing a such a great person. Uncle Hans was always a bright light. He would enter a room with a contagious smile. You couldn’t help but be in a great mood anytime he was around. I cherish the memories and times we had spent together. Rest in piece uncle Hans you will truly be missed.

    Jonathan, Michelle, and Sloane Schmidtgall

  • Marianne Belau says:

    Our sympathies at the loss of Hans. I was glad to be able to see him last summer for one last time.

  • Phyllis Jorgensen says:

    I am sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad, Condolences to you Jon and Heidi and your families. Love and hugs to all.

  • Gerhard Blumrich says:

    Dear Ela, my condolences on the passing of Hans. May God give him eternal rest and may you find support from family and friends in these difficult times ahead. Now I cherrish your visit here even more, just one week before Karla’s passing.
    Gerhard Blumrich, Saskatoon

  • Kim McLean says:

    It is with sorrow I read the paper today. Hans was a lovely person, so full of stories and knowledge. I always enjoyed our conversations. He will be missed.

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