Nov 20, 1924 - Jan 9, 2018
Died peacefully at Cottonwoods in Kelowna, BC on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 with family at his side. He was 93.
Sadly predeceased by his first wife, Pauline. Lovingly remembered by his wife, Delores Klingspon; his two sons, Douglas (Joan) of Port Coquitlam, and Darrell (Michelle) of White Rock; sisters Ruth Zielke and Margaret Gurel (nee Zielke), both of Vancouver; brother Gary (Carol) of Nanoose Bay, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Harry was born in Gumbinnen, Germany on November 20, 1924 to Emil and Gertrude Zielke, and came with his parents to Edmonton, Alberta in 1927. After growing up in Edmonton, Harry married Pauline Kirschman (of Regent, North Dakota) in 1946, and they moved to Vancouver in 1956. Their son Douglas was born in Edmonton in 1950, and Darrell born in Vancouver in 1961.
Arriving in Vancouver, Harry began his 30-year career with Ricketts-Sewell Electric helping them become one of the largest electrical contractors in the Lower Mainland, initially as Head Estimator and later as General Manager. In his spare time he was a passionate photographer, developing his photos in a darkroom he built for himself. He brought joy to family and friends through his first class photography and printing.
Harry had a strong faith and for years was active in Central Baptist Church in Edmonton and Ebenezer Baptist Church in Vancouver, serving as Treasurer and as an ardent choir member. He was also an avid golfer and long-term member of Chilliwack Golf & Country Club.
Upon retiring in 1987, Harry and Pauline moved to the Ocean Park area in South Surrey where they lived until Pauline's passing in December 2000 after 54 years of marriage. In 2007, Harry became reacquainted with Delores Klingspon of North Bay,Ontario, whom he recalled from his days in Edmonton. In November 2008, Harry and Delores married and lived in Surrey for a year before moving to Peachland, BC, and then to Kelowna in November 2015.
With all of Delores' immediate family living in the Kelowna area, Harry enjoyed his loving second family: Delores' mother Lynn Klingspon, sisters Marilyn Klingspon and Eileen Linfield (and her husband Gord), and brothers Gary and Roger.
Harry will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him. Special thanks to the Staff at Cottonwoods for their excellent care and kindness.
Interment at Sunnyside Lawn Cemetery in Surrey at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 19.
A Celebration of Life for Harry will be held in Kelowna at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kelowna General Hospital, 2268 Pandosy Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1T2 or Willow Park Church, 489 Hwy 33 W, Kelowna, BC V1X 1Y2
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com
Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299
First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna