It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Otto Kohnert on February 13, 2014 at the Marjorie Willoughby Hospice Home in Kamloops.
He was married to Elli (Hoehre), father to Mona (Bryan), Nikki and David (Shannon), grandfather to Brock (Tammy), Derit, Josh (Delrae), Adam, Katlin, and John (Sarah). Otto had recently become great grand father to Brayden, Mia and Izabella. He was predeceased by his son Ralph (Cindy), his grandson Andreas, and his brother Lutz.
Otto was born July 4, 1930. In 1953 he left his parents Ilse and Hans, brothers Ulf (Trudel), Gerd (Heidrun) his sisters Inge (Wolfgang) and Irmgard (Guenter) in Germany when he immigrated to Canada with the sponsorship of Johnny Uppenborn.
In 1954 Elli (Hoehre) his fiancé arrived from Germany; they were married in 1955, and raised their four children on a five acre property in Darfield, B.C. After building their third home, in 1991, Otto and Elli moved to Barriere. Otto, a journeyman carpenter/cabinet maker, worked initially at the Fadear Creek Sawmill, and then for Turner Construction of Kamloops for several years. Following that, Otto held the position as Maintenance Man of School District 24 for more than 20 years.
His purpose in life, as he saw it, was to care and provide for his family and without question; he fulfilled this role with complete dedication. He left a lasting legacy of his warm nature, the aptitude for his trade and a lasting love for his family.
Otto also participated in community development through the former Board of Trade. He joined his wife Elli in environmental activism, and in helping to protect Wells Gray Park was closest to his heart. Otto had many interests and hobbies, including coffee time with friends and having lively philosophical and political discussion with them.
Otto’s love of the outdoor life, born out of a deep respect for the natural world, equaled that of Elli’s, and this led them to devote most of their free time to hiking, skiing, canoeing, and camping. Together they climbed mountains and crossed rivers, strengthening the everlasting bond between them.
Otto will long be remembered for his infectious smile, quick wit, ability to fix almost anything, and strong dedication to his purpose in life.
A celebration of life service for Otto will held at the Church of St Paul Annex in Barriere, on February 23, at 3:00 p.m. Although flowers would be wonderful, preference is that donations and gifts be directed to the Barriere Hospice Association care of Jane Milburn.