Obituary of Joe Kotlarz

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Joe Kotlarz, at the age of 97, on October 31, 2024, at Cranbrook Regional Hospital. Joe is survived by his sons Joe (Ursula) and Harry; his grandchildren Karl (Sarina), Pauline (Mike), Katie (Lorin), and Tom; and his great-grandchildren Lucy, Josie, and Norah. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Louise, in 2009.

Joe’s life was full of rich stories. He lived through World War II, eventually escaping Communist Czechoslovakia to find a better life in Canada in 1949. Settling in Fernie, he met and married Louise, and together they raised two sons. Joe was always deeply grateful to his uncle, John Bachlet, for sponsoring him and to Canada’s immigration system for welcoming him. He embraced his new life in Canada, instilling his love for the outdoors in his children and later his grandchildren. He relished sharing his hunting and fishing tales and created lifelong memories with his grandsons on their hiking and camping expeditions. Joe often said that Canada was the best country in the world to call home.

Since 1970, Joe lived in Cranbrook, where he enjoyed a 37-year career with BC Hydro/East Kootenay Power working in Elko, Fernie and finally settling in Cranbrook. A dedicated and committed family man, he cared tirelessly for his wife for nearly two decades before her passing. In his later years, Joe found joy in growing prized tomatoes, which he happily shared with neighbours and friends. Many will remember Joe on his daily walks, often accompanied by his little dog, strolling through town or the community forest. His good health allowed him to live independently well into his later years. He maintained an active lifestyle of hiking and cross-country skiing into his eighties. When he departed the long-time family home on 11th Avenue S,  he was embraced by a new group of friends at Terra Lee Terrace. Joe was known for his steadfast attendance for decades at St. Mary’s Catholic Church for the early Sunday morning Mass.

The family extends a special thank-you to the staff at Joseph Creek Village and the doctors and staff at Cranbrook Regional Hospital for their compassionate care.

A Funeral Mass for Joe will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday November 13^th, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cranbrook.

Joe will be interred following the Mass at Westlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory would be gratefully accepted by the SPCA in Cranbrook or the East Kootenay Foundation for Health (https://www.ekfh.ca/).