Herman (“Curly”) Giesbrecht passed away peacefully at the age of 91 years on November 7, 2016 at the South Okanagan General Hospital, Oliver, BC surrounded by his family.
He is lovingly remembered by his best friend and partner Carol Bonaldo, his brothers Herb and Walter (Mona), his sisters Tina, Anne, and Ruby (Roy), sons Dennis, Doug, Kevin and Brad, his step-son Aldo, his daughters Sharon and Roxi, his step-daughter Barb, and a “great, big, huge” number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Herman was predeceased by his parents Daniel and Helene (nee Martens) Giesbrecht, his brothers Menno, Bill and Ben, and his sisters Olga and Louise.
Born in Saskatchewan, Curly spent his early years in the Lower Mainland, where he was employed at the Hume and Rumble electrical company. He then worked as a lineman for BC Hydro for 40 years, living in Williams Lake (1960-70) and later 100 Mile House and Westbank, moving to Oliver in 1993.
Herman served with the Canadian Army, enlisting in April 1944 in Vancouver, and was on active duty in Canada, Great Britain, and northwest Europe until he was honourably discharged on August 21, 1946. His medals and decorations included the 1939-45 Star, the France and Germany Star, the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with clasp, and the 1939-1945 War Medal.
Curly was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion, earning his 60-year bar and pin, and serving as Legion president in Williams Lake. He also volunteered with the Kinsmen Club, the Elks, and the SOGH thrift shop. He coached minor hockey and started the first football (soccer) leagues in both Williams Lake and Langley. His other sporting interests included football (soccer), curling, golf, darts, and cross-country skiing.
A Celebration of Life will be held in July 2017, at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 97, Oliver, BC.
In his memory, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon and the Canadian Cancer Society would be received with gratitude.
Thank you to Dr. M. Myslek, Dr. Hill, and all the incredibly compassionate staff at the South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver. Also, warm thanks to all the Interior Health Home Support staff, whom Curly enjoyed waking up to daily.
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osoyoos