Gus was born on April 25, 1936 in Alexandertahl, Ukraine. He passed away at his home on July 7, 2011 at Salmon Arm, BC, at the age of 76 years.
Gus was predeceased by his father Samuel (during the war), mother Olga Betke, sister Lydia Bohme and brother Erich Betke. In his passing Gus left behind his wife of 52 years Johan, his son Alex (Angie) Betke, daughter Kathleen (Ricky) McGill, four grandchildren, Aaron, Andrew, Marla and Clayton, two brothers Arthur “Art” (Katie), Heinrich “Hank” (Rosaline) of Edmonton AB, also on niece Gerda, nephew Gunter in Germany and many other relatives and friends.
Gus enjoyed camping, dancing, fishing, his wife and family; not necessarily in that order. His beloved wife and family were always dear to his heart, camping trips took them into the boonies where even horses hesitated to go; when it came to dancing, he was Mr. Twinkle toes; fishing? he could stay out there all day (at least until he got hungry), but always got his big ones. His fishing partner Johan his wife, many times would give Gus competition and even catch some bit ones which Gus wished he would have caught.
Now Gus has gone camping up in the sky,
He’ll catch that big on by and by.
He’ll be remembered by family and friends,
His memories will be with us right to the end.
There’s no more suffering or pain to endure,
His memory will last for ever more.
His passing is sad, but the day will come,
When we’ll thank the Lord for taking him home.
Now he’s fishing and dancing up there in the sky,
Some day we’ll meet him again by and by.
The family would like to extend their many thanks to the medical staff and Doctors for the care given to Gus while at the Shuswap Lake General Hospital, also the Red Cross for the equipment required at home and the home care he received at home before his passing.
A Funeral Service will be held at Fischer’s Funeral Services, 4060 1st Ave. SW, Salmon Arm, BC on Thursday, July 14th, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Chaplain Bill Kiesman officiating. Interment at Mt. Ida Cemetery. A reception will follow at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donation’s in Gus’ name may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society of BC, PO Box 3451, Salmon Arm, BC, V1E 4S2.
Arrangements entrusted to FISCHER’S FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORIUM LTD., Salmon Arm (250) 833-1129. EMAIL condolences and share memories at www.fischersfuneralservices.com.