September 10, 1933 – November 30, 2018
at the age of 85 years
Celebration of Life: Wednesday, December 5, 2018, 1:00 p.m., Elk’s Hall, Salmon Arm
Len Kurta passed away peacefully on Friday November 30, 2018 in Bastion Place Care facility in Salmon Arm BC. Len was born September 10, 1933 in Granada, Alberta, the second son of Walter and Lena (Capostinsky) Kurta. After a short time in Toronto, Ont. Len’s mother moved the family to Salmon Arm in 1948. He attended school in Salmon Arm in the old Salmon Arm Court House building, graduating from Salmon Arm Jr. Sr. high school in 1952.
Len married Nancy Griffith in 1956 and together they raised their family of four children in Salmon Arm. Len’s career included logging and operating heavy duty equipment. His work took him to Alaska and various parts of BC including the Kootenays, Rogers Pass, Mica and Revelstoke dams and finally the Mt. McDonald tunnel. Most of his career was as an equipment foreman.
During his working years Len’s hobbies included hunting, fishing, family camping trips and traveling .Thirty years of retirement brought enjoyable time spent golfing, gardening, curling, hunting, fishing, cross country skiing and time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, family and friends.
Len was predeceased by his parents Lena and Walter Kurta and his brother Eddie (1956). He is missed by Nancy, his loving wife of 62 years, son Robert, daughters Debbie, Carol (John) and Gail, brother John (Edwina), sisters Iva and Ella (Bob), brothers Rick and Ron,11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Doctors McKinnon and Weicker and the “angels” that cared at Bastion Place. Many thanks go to Len’s “buddy” Dick who regularly brought him three of Lorraine’s cookies with each visit.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favourite charity or the Shuswap Rotary Club of Salmon Arm, in Memory of Leonard Kurta.
He will be missed by his family and friends.
We wish to send our condolences to Nancy and all of Len’s family. We live in Victoria now and just now read of his passing in the Salmon Arm obituaries. We have many fond memories of good times with Len and Nancy during the years we were busy raising our families. Len was always so good with all the children around, out at the lake and at their Hillcrest home in town. He was always such a friendly and helpful person, I’m sure there are many others with happy memories of him.
Thinking of you all – Nancy, Robert, Debbie, Carol, Gail and all your family.
Sincerely,
Val and John Smith
Dear. Nancy. Just heard last night from Dan Quilty about Lens passing I have fond memories of Len golfing and curling. He always made the games more enjoyable and I can still hear his laugh. He will be missed by his many friends Pleas accept our condolences
Dear Nancy, I have finally caught up with Len’s news and have been trying to contact you by phone. I do not seem to be able to get through with 250 803 0087.I cannot find your address either.
I feel for you at this time, as I know how it was for me when Lance died. You were so kind and positive for me. I would like to do the same for you.
When you are ready please will you contact me at Andover Terrace 250 833 5517 or 250 833 6152.
I have used this way to get a message to you as it seems to be my last resort.
Take care my friend,love from Brenda
Sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you and your family. Sincerely Fay and Kay
Dear Nancy and family,
We send our most sincere condolences to you all. Our outdoor Xmas lights will be shining brightly this year for Len. Take care.
Shirley-Ann and Burt