July 19, 1939 – September 15, 2013
at the age of 74 years
Eugene Armand Joseph Paul Terase Bretecher
It is with profound sadness that we announce the accidental passing of Gene Bretecher on Sunday, September 15, 2013. Gene was a loving husband, supportive father, an incredible grandfather and uncle, as well as a great friend to all those that knew him. Gene was born on July 19, 1939 in Toutes–‐Aides, Manitoba where he spent his childhood. He left the family farm to become a successful banker and musician, with a passion for bluegrass music and love of fishing. He also had a passion for hockey, football, and spending quiet time with the love of his life, wife Linda. He loved to hike and had a unique sense of adventure. In his retirement, he and Linda enjoyed life on the shores of beautiful Shuswap Lake in British Columbia.
Gene touched many lives with his gentle spirit, infectious smile, sharp wit, generosity, and musical talents. He traveled the World and inspired and shared his gift of music with many. Being a good man and enjoying the simple pleasures of life was important to him. He is survived by wife Linda, children, Marilyn, Randy, Kimberley (Gordon), Cheryl, Jamie, Everett (Monica), grandchildren Robert, Candle, Aleiia, Isabella, Taerjan, Beckam, and Alannah, sister Jeannette (Edward), brothers Léo (Jean) and Roger, sisters-in-law Jean and Suzanne, along with many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whom he valued dearly. He is predeceased by his parents Hélène and Armand and brothers Noel and Dennis.
No words can ever describe the man he was. But, his zest for life and living are well described by Oscar Wilde. “Live! Live the wonderful life that is in you! Let nothing be lost upon you. Be always searching for new sensations. Be afraid of nothing.” We love you and miss you dearly! You will be forever in our hearts! The family is holding a private celebration to honor Gene’s life. They wish to thank the first responders, medical and paramedic teams, as well as the community for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.
In lieu of Flowers donations can be made to West Side Music Together
All donations will be put in a separate account supporting the Gene Bretecher Music Together Bursary. Families who apply will be supported with assistance from this account.
Cheques (payable to Katherine Deane) can be mailed to:
Katherine Deane
713-933 Seymour St.
Vancouver, BC V6B 6L6
Katherine Deane at West Side Music Together, 778-829-6651
Visiting Osoyoos from Winnipeg for first time in many years. Would have been so nice to look up Gene again.
George & Alice Fraser.
Linda:
Just heard of your tragic loss. Our sympathy to you and your family for your loss.
Time will ease your sorrow but his memories will be with you forever.
Thinking of you always.
Our deepest sympathy for your tragic loss. Gene will be sorely miss by all who knew him. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers Linda and wishing you comfort in those special memories.
Linda, our sincere empathies to you after your terrible loss. We remember you and Gene from your days at Evangel Church in Kelowna, then when you moved to the Shuswap. Our paths crossed a few time while living here in the South Shuswap. Genes banjo playing was gifted and he used his talents to bless others around him. He will be missed in the community and by those that knew both you and him.
Dear Linda,
May you and your family feel God’s presence and comfort at this time of sorrow.
John and Edell
We were shocked to here of your loss, our deepest sympathy.
Thinking of you Linda and will see you when we get home.
Love Anne & Lawrence.
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Gene was such an important part of your life and in his music world. We can be thankful that he had the opportunity to share life with his family and friends and pass on the wisdom of his experiences to those he loved. Undoubtedly you can share many things he meant to you and the many ways he touched your life. Memories like those will continue to live on in your heart — and those memories are very precious and to be highly valued. Their worth is far more valuable than words can describe. Thinking of you Linda and wishing you comfort in your memories.
We are sad to her about your loss & our thoughts are with you
No time on earth is long enough to share with those we love or to prepare our hearts for good-bye. Sincerely extending our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy Linda. We were saddened to hear of the sudden and untimely passing of Gene. May wonderful memories fill your heart and provide you with comfort in the coming days. Gene was an amazing person that celebrated life & lived every moment to the fullest He had a gift for making people feel loved, respected & valued. When a life is taken away, Love saves it’s place.