With heavy hearts we wish to announce the passing of Harry Hoeft, on November 6, 2019, after a full life of 90 plus years. He is survived by his heart-broken wife Heidi, whom Harry had been married to for more than 62 years; his two sisters Hilda Borrman, and Ruth Pastore; his only child Frank; his daughter-in-law Ramona; and his grandson Uriah with granddaughter-in-law Morgane, and grandson Jeremiah. Harry was predeceased by his father, Wilhelm; his mother, Wanda; his mother-in-law, Ida Rahn; and his father-in-law, Ferdinand Rahn.
Harry was born in Zezulin, Poland, in 1929 and spent his earliest years growing up on the family farm. During the course of the Second World War he lost his father and was forced with the rest of the family to flee their home. Eventually Harry ended up immigrating to Canada to start life anew. He worked an assortment of jobs throughout BC for a number of years before obtaining a more rooted existence as a corrections officer in Prince George. In 1956 he married Heidi Rahn and three years later she gave birth to their only child, Frank. Around this time they began to develop their own business that eventually became a trio of equipment rental stores which proved to be fairly successful though not without many challenges and much hard work.
During these hectic business years Harry was able to enjoy numerous hunting and fishing trips, and many travel excursions throughout the world that widened his worldview and understanding of his times. He was a good father providing for his son’s every need and beyond, and who instilled in his son through word and example important values such as working hard, perseverance, paying attention to the details, doing things right, and the like.
In 1988 Harry sold the business and moved with Heidi to Kelowna to retire. Harry always kept busy during these years with a variety of jobs around the house, but more importantly continued to enjoy numerous fishing and hunting trips, and travelling. This period of his life also witnessed the advent of grandsons who spiced up his calm retirement with numerous visits and antics. He had high hopes for their journeys as they unfolded bit by bit and sought to help as he could along the way.
Dad was a strongly framed man who seemed to power through life on both a physical level and with regard to business pursuits. Sadly, the years of hard work with their accumulated effect took their toll on his body in his latter years. Arthritis, an irregular heart (pacemaker) beat, back/hip pain, and loss of sight in one eye all added up to very difficult final years. Dad was released from his imprisoning physical existence on November 6 and we hope to enjoy his company again through the resurrection of Jesus Christ in whom Dad placed faith. “Until then Dad, we love you.”
A Service for Harry will be Wednesday November 13, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at First Memorial Funeral Home
1211 Sutherland Ave Kelowna, BC
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com
Arrangements in care of First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC. 250-762-2299
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