Obituary of Bradley Vincent Kress

Bradley Vincent Kress, resident of Armstrong, B.C., formerly of the Peace River Region, passed away on May 19, 2016, at 49 years of age. Brad was born on August 1, 1966, in Los Angeles, California, to Richard and Joan Kress. He was the third of eight children. When he was 4 years old, his family left California in search of a more rural life. They moved to Oregon, then immigrated to Canada in 1975, and settled in the Peace River Region. Brad loved the outdoors, adventure, animals, classic rock, games, and sports, especially hockey. In recent years, he spent many evenings playing hockey with friends. He was a natural artist, and, as a teenager, would create life-like drawings of the wildlife around him. Brad was a sensitive, gentle man. Although quiet, he had a strong sense of humor, and was the family prankster. Children were drawn to him. He was dubbed "the Pied Piper" as nieces and nephews flocked to him. In many ways, he was a "big kid " himself. Brad grew up in the Fort St. John and Hudson's Hope rural areas. He worked on the farm at home, and farms nearby. He graduated from Hudson's Hope School in 1984. After Graduation, Brad worked for B.C. Rail, laying tracks in Northern B.C. He then trained as a heavy duty mechanic, and spent many years in Fort St. John and Prince George, with the road services and trucking companies. Brad met the love of his life, Heather Altizer, in Prince George, and they were married on September 26, 1992 . He became a loving husband to Heather, and a stepfather to her four year old son, Kye. He worked hard to support his family, yet made time for others. Whether it was going out on a cold winter night to fix someone's car, or help someone renovate their house, he often put others first. Tragically, in 2012, Heather was killed in a car accident. This affected Brad deeply. The loss of his best friend left a huge void in his life. He kept busy with work and various projects. He took comfort in the hope that he would see Heather again in the Resurrection that God has promised. Recently, Brad moved to the Okanagan. Over this past year, he made trips up North, and into the States, to spend time with family and friends. those trips have left us with memories we will treasure. Brad was much loved by those who knew him. We miss him very much. We trust that he is at peace, and safely resting in God's care. Brad was predeceased by his wife, Heather, and his sister Karen. He is survived by his stepson Kye; parents, Richard and Joan Kress; brothers, Greg (Millie) Kress, Doug Kress, and Tim (Christine) Kress; sisters Julie Kress, Vickie Kress, and Heidi (Kerry) Skin; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins; and the Altizer families. A Funeral service was held on June 4th, 2016, at Reynars Funeral Home in Dawson Creek, B.C. Rod Harmon officiated. Interment followed at Brookside Cemetery in Dawson Creek, B.C. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium Funeral Service 1:00 pm Saturday, June 4, 2016 Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium 1300 102nd Avenue Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada V1G 2C6