WOHLLEBEN, Herbert - passed away peacefully at the age of 90 years from Jackson House Residential Care in Ashcroft.
“Big Herb” was born in Apolda Germany and came to Canada at a very young age, celebrating his 4th birthday at Hat Creek Ranch. He was raised in Ashcroft and remained in this area for his entire life. From the age of 14 he worked alongside his father at Hat Creek Ranch before taking a job with Pacific Great Eastern Rail (now known as BC Rail). He then returned to Hat Creek Ranch before moving into the lumber business and from there moved to Bethlehem Copper where he was employed as a millwright for many years.
He is survived by his sister Carla (Bill) Karikstad, and his children Phyllis Rainey, Leeann (Barry) Zasitko, Jim (Tanis) Cripps, and lan Cripps, grandchildren Adam, Brian, Rob, Kyle, Crystal as well as his great grandchildren Emma, Kiarra and Natalie and other extended family members. Herb was predeceased by Madeline, his wife of 20 years, in 1972, and Lee, his wife of 18 years in 1995. Herb was predeceased by his sister Irma (Wes) Smith.
Herb was a very talented craftsman who enjoyed working with his hands. He was a skilled woodworker who could make just about anything you could imagine or want. He was equally capable at needle point or cross stitch, and loved to tend his vegetable garden. He played crib at the Royal Canadian Legion for many years, and participated in many out of town tournaments. In later years he loved to watch curling, and Toronto Blue Jays games on the television. He was gentle and kind man who had a wonderful sense of humour and loved spending time with his family.
Donations in Memory of Herb may be made to the Family Friends Society of the Ashcroft Hospital PO Box 773 Ashcroft, BC VOK 1A0.
Herb was a very independent man and was able to remain living in his own home until the end of January of this year before moving into residential care at the Ashcroft Hospital. The family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to all the people who have helped support Herb including all of the doctors and nurses, care staff and home care support workers who have played such a strong role in helping him. Help from the all the staff at Jackson House and the hospital was greatly appreciated by Herb, and his family.
There will be no formal services held. An Online condolence book can be found at www.tvfh.ca