Herbert Lloyd Fitchett

Born in Nelson, B.C. December 5th, 1935, to Florence and Bert Fitchett, he was the eldest boy of 9 children. This position came with a lot of responsibility, and he began working for milk for the family at a very early age. He was a fireman on the sternwheeler, the SS Moyie, dabbled in various ventures before finding his career in large construction projects.

Herb married Geraldine (Clare) in 1960, and in 1972 with 5 kids in tow, moved from Vancouver Island to Mica Creek to support the construction of the Mica Hydroelectric dam project. They welcomed their 6th child while there.

Moving the family to Revelstoke, Herb worked for the Revelstoke dam project and started Columbia River Steel, a successful business. His work ethic was cemented in a commitment to do things right and well - traits those around him continue to uphold. Settling in Kelowna, Herb continued his career working for PCL in Kitimat, as well as projects in India and Ecuador. Expanding his centre of influence, while in India, he met and dined with the Indian Minister of Finance. He was very proud of his accomplishments and loved to share his knowledge behind different builds.

Herb and Clare welcomed many people who needed a bed to their home. Amazing hosts, breakfast usually included his famous flap jacks, Pappy bread, and you always left with something delicious from his garden.

Herb was the outdoorsman we all aspired to be. You could find him fishing, hunting, gold panning, and game spotting at every opportunity. He made sure his kids cultivated the same loves and appreciation while enjoying nature. A lifelong learner and dreamer, his gold mine in Oliver gave him so much joy. Not only gold, came from the mine, but knowledge, engineering feats and unlimited stories.

His gardens were legendary, hugs encompassing, laugh contagious, and when you needed him to kill a spider, he was there.

Herb had a deep passion for sports. Hockey, curling, football, golf, - they were all his favourites. Herb loved his Vancouver Canucks and was ever hopeful they would deliver a Stanley Cup in his lifetime. He golfed regularly (shooting his age), and loved to hit the casino periodically to try his luck.

Herb’s humour, Pappy-isms and nicknames were renowned. ‘Dandy’ or ‘snarly’ referred to trees, ‘customers’ were guests, ‘poof’ meant you caught him at something and he didn’t have a leg left to stand on. We always knew what he meant.

Herb had a stellar 2024 with salmon fishing, turkey hunting, PGA golf tournament, fish camp at Mica, a wedding in October and numerous visits with family and friends. The weekend before his passing he spent an incredible few days with his kids on a wood gathering trip and reflected on how wonderful that was on the morning of what turned out to be his last day.

Herb is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Clare, children, Karen (Roland), Jamie (Vicki), Greg (Tierney), Lisa (John), Denise (Derek), and Chris, 18 grandchildren, and 6.4 great grandchildren. He will be remembered for not only his wonderful stories, and the endless love he shared, but also as a devoted husband, fun Dad, and kind individual who loved to laugh. Herb has gone to be with family, friends, Chancie and Mrs. Susie O’Malley (his doggos) who have passed before him.

Herb’s celebration of life will be held Sunday, November 24th, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Okanagan Mission Community Hall, 4409 Lakeshore Drive, Kelowna, B.C.