KICKBUSH; Carl
The family of Carl Edward Kickbush are sad to announce his passing on December 4, 2016 in Penticton with his wife of 51 years, Anne, by his side. Carl was born in Chilliwack on April 3, 1920 to Fred and Consuela Kickbush at the Kickbush farm on Prest Road. The Kickbushes had a large dairy farm where he worked and later managed. When WW2 broke out, Carl was turned down for service because of his flat feet and what the doctor said, was an impending appendicitis. Dad finally had his appendix removed in his 90's which he thought was funny. Instead of serving overseas, Carl volunteered for the Pacific Coast Militia Rangers. He took great pride in his service with them and his knowledge of the Fraser Valley. Carl was one of the first people to spot and report a Japanese weather balloon in BC. Carl came up to the Okanagan and worked at the White Lake Ranch in the 1940's for some time as a ranch hand. He liked working with cattle and horses but didn't enjoy the many rattlesnakes in that area and had nightmares about them almost his entire life. Carl then went and worked for the family company, Princeton Box and Lumber Company in Princeton and then Keremeos. He logged for them and then worked in the mill until they closed. He must have enjoyed driving large trucks because he then started his career at CP Transport in Penticton. In 1962 he and Anne moved to Kamloops where he drove for CP until 1976. Carl then drove City bus until his retirement in 1986. Combined, Carl had over 6 million miles logged driving truck and bus which he was very proud of. Carl and Anne raised chinchillas for many years while they lived in Rayleigh as well. In 1992 Carl and Anne moved to Penticton to Red Wing complex. Always handy with saws and furniture making, Carl turned the garage into a wood working shop and spent many, many hours of enjoyment there. Carl made trays, clocks, small tables, scale model vehicles and trains, and refinished furniture. This kept him busy almost to the very end. Carl was a 70 year member of the Masonic Lodge and travelled BC to attend various meetings and events. Many of Carl's woodworking projects were given to lodge members and are now all over North America and England which he was very proud of. Dad was able to attend lodge up until very recently and it was something he enjoyed very much. In retirement, Carl continued his love of driving. He and Anne made several trips to Ontario, California, Vancouver lsland, Alberta and Saskatchewan and one trip to the Yukon.
Carl will be remembered as a hard worker and excellent provider but more importantly, a kind, giving man who loved to laugh and share a good story.
Carl leaves behind his loving wife, Anne; daughter Cindy and husband Corey Swain; step-daughter Donna and husband Don Koenig and their family; daughter Maralyn McLeod and her family; brother Gordie Kickbush and his family. He was pre-deceased by his sister, Marion and her son John.
Providence Funeral Home in Penticton is in charge of arrangements. A public Masonic service will be announced at a later date in March 2017.