December 6, 1933 - September 30, 2023
In loving memory ~
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William (Bill) Kritsch on September 30, 2023, at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Bill was predeceased by his wife, Gerda, in 2017, and is survived by daughters Ingrid (Tom) and Sylvia (Gordon) and granddaughters Erika (Amir) and Julia (Justin). He was a loving older brother to Marolyn and Tom.
As a career employee of Canadian National Railway since 1957, Bill retired in 1991, holding a senior executive position. After retirement, Gerda and Bill moved from Montreal to Qualicum Beach. Over the next 32 years, they developed cherished and lifelong friendships. Bill was active in his community as an elder at St. Columba Presbyterian Church, where he helped run the summer children's drama camp. He was a volunteer at the Senior's Centre in Qualicum Beach, advocated for social and environmental responsibility, and was an avid curler.
Bill's passion was gardening and if you couldn't find him at any given moment, it was likely he was tending to his flowers, fruit trees, berries, and vegetables. An incredibly healthy man, he split and stacked firewood for the woodstove well into his 80s. He loved to walk and being a tall man could be seen blocks away wearing one of his signature hats.
Bill had a curious spirit and he and Gerda travelled extensively enjoying over 30 cruises together. As an astute thinker, Bill enjoyed stimulating conversation but was always willing to listen to alternative opinions. Bill will be dearly missed by his family and friends, but we are all better off for having shared our lives with him.
A cremation and memorial service has taken place, and a private internment is planned in spring, 2024 in Ontario. Donations in memory of Bill may be made to the Palliative Care Unit, Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, 1200 Dufferin Cres., Nanaimo, BC. V9S 2B7.