Morris Peter Kuchma

He was born in Ethelbert, Manitoba in 1940 to Justine and Peter Kuchma. His memory lives on through his wife of 61 years, Anne, and their four living children: Sheldon, Darwin (Jo Ann), Shari (Michael), and Travis (Karla) and all their children and grandchildren and many other family and friends. He has been reunited with his son, Robert; Daughter-in-law, Tonya; his brother, Sam; his mother and father and many other family and friends.

Morris was the oldest of 4 children and became a very resourceful and hardworking boy, leaving childhood and his home behind at the age of 14 to begin earning his own way in the world. As he found mentors and opportunities, Morris collected skills and tools and became a jack of all trades at a remarkably young age. There were hardly any trade careers he didn’t dabble in at one point or another He was a: miner, delivery driver, salesman, backhoe & heavy duty equipment operator, hunter, trapper, fisherman, plumber, electrician, dairy farmer, artificial inseminator for cattle, barber for his children, tailor, professional mover, water specialist, a small business owner (Lightning Delivery, Dauphin Coin Laundromat, Nature’s Essence Spring Water, EcoWater Co.), and even a pastor. As many careers as he had, he lived in nearly as many cities: Ethelbert (MB), Ukraina (MB), Hillcrest (AB), Chibougamau (QC), Kelsey (MB), Thompson (MB), Swan River (MB), Calgary (AB), Dauphin (MB), Mackenzie (BC) and finally Kelowna (BC) where he lived the remainder of his days.

Morris lived a full life, enjoying many adventures with family and friends. They traveled regularly and he enjoyed camping, water sports, fishing, downhill skiing. Two of the most memorable family trips were trips to California with 32 family and friends and the second one, 10 years later, with 25 family and friends. So many wonderful memories with so many people have been created throughout the years.

The list of places-of-residence and skills he collected might not seem important, but they are a testament to how flexible he was and how he and the love of his life, Anne, were able to prioritize and problem solve together as they birthed and raised 5 beautiful children. He dedicated his heart to Jesus at the age of 40, in 1980, which changed the trajectory of their whole family. He underwent a transformation of heart and spirit and became the best version of himself, sewing seeds both physically and spiritually of the Grace and love that grew in him from that day onward.

Morris was known for his quick tears, warm smiles, love of God, kind words, top shelf dancing, adoration for his wife and kids, and an incomparable work ethic. Between their 5 children, 20 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren, he and Anne were able to enjoy many special moments together as they watched their legacy grow before their eyes into old-age: side by side, hip to hip, and slow dancing together right until the end.

Funeral Services will be held at the Kelowna Christian Center, 905 Badke Road, Kelowna on Saturday, August 24th, 2024 at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at Lakeview Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 2850 Dry Valley Road on Monday, August 26th, 2024 at 2:30 PM

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services (Dignity Memorial) Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299