January 17, 1927 – October 17, 2022
at the age of 95 years:
Celebration of Life at St. John’s United Church, 920 Central Avenue, Grand Forks, BC on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.
Harold Dietrich Funk died peacefully October 17th in Salmon Arm, BC with his daughters by his side. At the age of 95 he lived a very full life enriched by his constant sense of adventure and curiosity.
He is survived by his siblings Ken Funk and Carolynn Smith, his four children Cheryl, Lynn, Ian and Les, his grandchildren Patricia, Brian and Andrea, and his great grandson Thomas. He is predeceased by his siblings Rodney, Les, Paul, Darlene and his beloved wife of 63 years, Phyllis.
Born in 1927 in a Mennonite farm community in Morse, Saskatchewan, and as the oldest of seven children, he had a strong sense of responsibility to family and community. He developed deep rooted socialist beliefs which were reflected in his activities through church and community groups. He met his wife at South Hill Baptist church where they attended youth group together and sang in the choir. As a shop teacher they raised their four children in Surrey, BC on a hobby farm, and retired to Grand Forks, BC to be close to his mother and siblings.
He shared his love of nature and community with everyone. His hobbies included singing in three choirs, being active in St John’s United church, attending concerts, farming, and participating actively in community groups, including the peace movement and the NDP. As a keen enthusiast of physical fitness he rode his bicycle into his 80s, and attended Aqua Fit till his 90s.
He was an early advocate for the environment so in his memory we will turn out our lights more often, run the water a little less, walk more, and eat all the food on our plates.
Family would like to extend their appreciation to everyone in Grand Forks, BC at St John’s United church, and Silver Kettle Village, and in Salmon Arm at Hillside GSS for all their love and support.
Celebration of Life at St. John’s United Church, 920 Central Avenue, Grand Forks, BC on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to any group you feel would honour Harold’s memory.
Harold was one of the kindest persons you will have ever known, some 40 + years ago I was invited to help work on his farm. I was just an young aircraft engineer at the time and looked forward to working on the hay bailer which had recently broken down. Once I fixed it he set me to working in the field. Harold always had words of wisdom which I still remember to this day. Harold will be missed by all.
Dad and I enjoyed the company and support of your Dad in our support group meetings in Grand Forks. He had such a great smile, one could never forget his positivity!
Dearest Les, and to your brother and sisters. Your Dad was a wonderful example of a human being, always positive, interested in life, kind and generous. He will never be forgotten. Much Love, Melanie
HI everyone:
Ray and I have very fond memories of your parents. When we first came to Grand Forks, we had met at
the United Church. At this time the church was putting on a match of local Grandparent with kids who’s
Grandparents lived afar distance from them. We were matched up with Harold and Phyllis. Over the years
we had Harold and Phyllis at most the important special occasions, birthdays, school graduations and at
our cabin with our sons. Like wise, we are paying it forward with an another local family here in Grand Forks.
In the later years, we had Harold just pop in at our house( on 78th Ave) and have a cup of tea. It was so special
to be invited to their 60th anniversary and Cheryl doing such a beautiful job holding the special occasion in
the Old Court House. Hope, to be at his celebration of Life in the future!