HERBERT KNELS

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HERBERT KNELS It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Herbert Knels at the age of 89 years. Herbert passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Tuesday, April 14, 2015. He was predeceased by his wife Annie, who passed away in July of 2014. Herbert was born in Nikolaifeld, Ukraine on January 19, 1926. The fourth child (and eldest son) in a family of eight children, Herb was the only one to eventually come to Canada. He grew up in a difficult, dangerous place and time, surviving the famine and disease epidemics of 1930s Ukraine and later, the horrors of the Second World War, from which he barely escaped with his life. After the war, Herbert lived and worked in Germany until 1949 when he came to Canada. While in Germany, he met his future wife Annie, although they went their separate ways at that time. In Canada, Herbert spent a couple of years in Canmore, Alberta where he worked in a lumber camp and sawmill. On a trip to Winnipeg to visit some relatives, he again met Annie and they connected, so he stayed and didn't go back to Alberta. With the marriage to her and family soon following, he settled into a comfortable life. Hard work and dedication to doing an excellent job on everything ensured his success and prosperity. Herbert was a craftsman and he built beautiful pieces of custom furniture. He was also a superb handyman and could fix anything. Blessed with hardy D.N.A., Herbert always seemed to have the energy and appearance of a man who was much younger than his actual age. Contributing to this perception was his extraordinary head of thick and lustrous hair which was truly remarkable and which he carried with him to his end. Herbert loved the sun and whether relaxing at his Lee River cottage (which he built himself) or winter vacationing in southern climes (20+ trips to Hawaii plus Cuba, Mexico, Texas, Florida and Palm Springs), he was never shy about stripping down and catching a few rays. Herbert was very practical and down-to-earth by nature and friendly and kind to everyone. Happy and full of joy, he appreciated a good joke, and some groaners, too! Cremation has taken place and interment will take place at Green Acres Cemetery on Friday, April 24, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Everyone who knew Herbert is welcome to attend. (Meet at the gravesite.) In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Herbert may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Many thanks to the staff at Access Home Care, who cared for Herbert in his apartment over the last three months and the staff at Concordia Hospital who helped to make Herbert comfortable in his final days. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 18, 2015