Obituary of Walter Kenneth Umbach

Ken Umbach, a long time resident of Bonanza, Alberta passed away peacefully on Monday, December 15, 2014 in Dawson Creek, B.C. at the age of 89 years. Walter Kenneth Umbach was born on November 24, 1925 in Carstairs, Alberta to parents Walter and Ludelle Umbach. Ken was the second child of four. Ken witnessed the loss of his father in his early teens, and not many years later his mother lost her battle with cancer. Ken lived with his grandmother in Carstairs to attend high school. After school Ken became a truck driver and also did odd jobs for some of the local farmers. While doing such he was spotted by his employer's niece, Jean and later asked her on a date. Ken and Jean were married on August 31, 1951 in Didsbury, Alberta. They were excited to start their family in Cremona, Alberta where they welcomed Gail Jean in July of 1952. In October of 1957, they welcomed Daniel Lee and their family was complete. In 1960, Jean's family decided to move to Bonanza to homestead. After Ken made several trips hauling most of Jean's family's belongings and farm equipment, he and Jean decided to homestead in Bonanza as well. Ken did everything he could to carve out a living. He logged, hauled gravel, raised pigs and cattle and became virtually self-sufficient with the garden they grew. Ken worked as hard as he could for as long as he could. His childhood arthritis and general decline in health led him to find other fulfillments in life. His love of learning never faltered and he continued to educate himself his entire life. He found huge fulfillment in spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren. As he approached the end of his life, Ken became less aware of his surroundings. The only person to bring a spark back into Ken's eyes was his beloved wife Jean. When she walked up to him and touched his shoulder, he turned and looked at her with wide eyes, as he must have looked at her 63 years earlier when she walked down the aisle. Ken was predeceased by his parents Walter and Ludelle, and his older brother Verdan. Ken will be greatly missed by his wife Jean, their daughter Gail (Gerald), their son Dan (Sandra), grandsons; Derek (Donna), Tyrell, Shalako (Mandy), granddaughter Danielle (Ty), and great grandchildren; Maddison, Mackenzie, Shiloh, Amiya and Kolby, along with his two sisters Betty and Cleta and their families. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 11:00 am from Reynars Funeral Home. Pastor Gary Henderson officiated. Interment followed in the Bonanza Hill Haven Cemetery. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Ken to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. & Yukon 1480-7th Avenue, Prince George, B.C. V2L 3P2 Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium