August 17, 1930 - August 12, 2019
It is with sadness we announce the passing of Arthur M. Pohl on August 12, 2019, five days short of his 89th Birthday. Born in Minitonas, Manitoba on August 17, 1930 to parents Joseph Pohl and Hulda Pohl (née Besselt) Art eventually settled in Chilliwack, B.C. Predeceased by sister Ruth Sonnenberg and siblings Kenneth and Marlene who likely died of Cystic Fibrosis in their childhood. He is survived by his second wife of 45 years, Janet L. Pohl (nee Evans) and his first wife short of 20 years, Rose Marie Gaschermann (nee Pacholuk) as well as his children; Randy (Donna) Pohl of Chilliwack, Colleen (David) Zeller of Calgary, Rodney Pohl of Cortez Island, Alexandria Laurel-Lynn (Robert) Schaeffer of Prince George. Art is further survived by his grandchildren; Neil Zeller, Nicole Perkins, Derek Pohl, Steve Pohl, Corey Pohl, Shawn Pohl, DJ Pohl, Joseph Pohl, great grandchildren Jaden, Andrew, Kailyn and one more on the way. He is also survived by elder brother Bill Pohl of Swan River, Manitoba and younger brother Eric Pohl of Regina, Saskatchewan, many nieces and nephews on the Pohl, Besselt, Sonnenberg and Evans sides of the family and of course his beloved dog, Stephie.
Professionally, Art first entered the workforce on the family farm, then in a coal mine. Over the years he completed his Heavy Duty Mechanics License and worked on the Dew Line where he saved enough money to move his family to British Columbia where he worked on many road and power line projects. He also had a private welding company and spent 10+ years working at Prince George Pulp and Paper. Later in life he completed his Grade 12 at the College of the Fraser Valley and worked as a mechanic in Silver Creek and later at the Army Base in Chilliwack. He changed career and completed his Real Estate Degree where he spent a year or so in that area of work. He then retired to work on his 48 acres of property on Vedder Mountain, supervising logging and planting trees.
An avid outdoorsman, he was an active member of the Chilliwack fish and game club, and Atchelitz Thresherman's Association. He also held memberships in aviation clubs, curling clubs and square-dancing organizations including the PG Northern Twisters Square Dance Club which is where he met his second wife. He obtained a pilot license and enjoyed flying as well as skiing and traveling. He had a love for animals (especially his dogs) but above all else he loved his family. A vibrant personality, with a larger than life presence, he commanded any and every room he entered. He always had something to say, a story to tell, a dance to dance and a project on the go.
Art did not wish to have a public service but the family suggests keeping his memory alive through one of his favorite past times - story telling. We invite you to post a memory on the Woodlawn Mt Cheam Funeral Home Obituary to keep the spirit of Art alive and share a story of the impact he had on your life. If you wish to make a donation in Arts name the family suggests the Summit Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis and also encourages you to sign up to be an organ donor.
http://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/funeral-homes/chilliwack-bc/woodlawn-mt-cheam-funeral-home/3150