Our Dad passed away suddenly at Shuswap Lake General Hospital on Monday only after waiting to be sure we all managed to arrive to say one last good-bye. He spent his last day watching the snow fall, being read scripture by a kind friend, Don and listening to his family reminisce about the best of times and betting on one last cribbage game.
Dad always said his proudest accomplishments were his children. We all lost our Dad today. Son, Adam Koch of Calgary (wife Berthe, Grandchildren Cameron and Danielle), Daughter, June Kiessling of Salmon Arm (late Husband Marc) Grandson Denis, 2nd Daughter, Caroline Bissat of Kamloops (Husband Christian) Grandsons Jonathan (great grandchildren, Brooklyn and Kash) and Timothy, and his youngest Daughter, Dawn Alstad (Husband Tim) and Grandchildren Hilary and Liam. He is survived by his Sister Karen Fitzgerald of Calgary (Husband Dave, children Patrick and Kathleen) Dad was predeceased by his Father, Adam, Mother, Janet and Sons-In-Law, Marc and Roger.
Dad worked really hard to raise us as a Single Parent in the 60's with help from his Mom, our Granny in Athabasca, Calgary and Canim Lake. We didn't have a lot but we were loved; we had shelter, food and clothes on our backs and somehow often a little extra to share with a friend or to help someone out.
Dad spent his youth in the family garage/tow truck business then the rest of his working days as Warehouseman and Bookkeeper and his holiday allotment as proud Naval Reservist with HMCS, Tecumseh in Calgary and Victoria. Dad was a very proud Member of the Legion.
We were raised to understand the value of a dollar and to be proud of a hard days' work. We were taught that the colour of skin doesn't define a person and that charity is a virtue, trust is a foundation and respect is earned. Children were to be seen and heard. To always be kind to old people and animals. But our greatest lessons from our Dad were to be humble but proud, that giving was better than receiving and that kindness begets kindness.
This was his Prayer ... God Grant Me The Serenity To Accept The Things I Cannot Change, The Courage To Change The Things I Can And The Wisdom To Know The Difference.
We'd like to give special thanks to Dr Huenis, who's tireless compassion and humour made our Dad always feel like he was his only patient.
Special thanks to Dad's extended Family at Landers Lodge; Residents and Staff alike. Dad was welcomed to their family as if they had been holding the seat at the table just for him. And to the many congregations he belonged to over the years, thank you. Dad, you are loved and you will be missed by many but never forgotten. Merry Christmas Old Timer.
Online condolences may be sent to the Koch family through Johnny's obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com
Bowers Funeral Home and Crematorium