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Kerry Dean Pocha
November 16, 1967 - January 5, 2022
Tribute
Surrounded by family, Kerry Dean Pocha passed in to the perfect love, joy and peace of his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, January 5th after a brief intense illness. He was 54 years old.
Kerry was born November 16, 1967 to parents Red and Carol, the second of three brothers. They were raised as free-range kids, making their own (often dangerous) fun in the woods south of Cranbrook. He accepted Jesus Christ as his saviour at the age of 9, and followed God with passion and integrity for the rest of his life. He committed to helping young people meet and get to know God through kids’ ministry, youth groups, vacation bible schools, mission trips and outreaches. A published author, he pointed readers to God’s character and promises in The Book of Easy Answers with friend and co-author Pastor John Telman.
With a keen intellect and a curious and creative mind, he excelled at school and work, a natural at math and a talented artist and storyteller. He studied math and computer programming at the University of Victoria, and ultimately became certified as an Architectural Technologist after he graduated at the top of his class from the Engineering Graphics and Design course from the College of New Caledonia. Through his working years, he fought forest fires, designed buildings and roadways, ran a contracting business with his brother and father, fulfilled many roles at the Tembec Mill at Canal Flats, and helped kids to unlock their learning potential as an educational assistant.
An adrenalin junkie in his younger years, he enjoyed sky-diving, rock climbing, scuba diving, hang gliding and white water kayaking. He was a skilled life-long motorcyclist, gracefully cranking tight corners with a grin plastered across his face. He danced down moguls and relished time to commune with God in His creation while hiking, camping and canoeing. Playful and spontaneous, he chose joy. He was quick-witted and kind-hearted. He valued quality time with family and friends, whether during epic BB gun wars or over a board game, a coffee or a sand-castle.
He looked to others’ interests first and worked selflessly to meet the needs of family and friends.
Kerry was a man of integrity, a protector, a leader, a creator, a problem-solver. He was always on mission. He was a loving husband, a devoted dad, a faithful son and brother, and a loyal friend. He is survived by his wife Shawndelle Pocha, his daughter Robyn Pocha and her mother Bridget (Jason) Lunn, his mother Carol, his brothers Kirk (Lori) and Shane (Sophie), his nephews Curtis and Isaac, and his nieces Tenesha and Kayla. He is predeceased by his father Thomas Carl (Red) Pocha.
A celebration of life will be held at Cranbrook Alliance Church on Saturday, January 29th at 1:30 p.m., Pastor Ken Matthias officiating. Join us there to laugh and to cry, to hear and to share more stories, and to be encouraged, challenged and inspired. An internment service will follow at a later date.
Live streaming of the service will be available on-line. To access a link to the service, click on the “Live Service” link above.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to help to support persecuted Christians worldwide through vomcanada.com.
Condolences
Send a condolence, light a candle and/or share a memory, click "Send Condolence". Once your message has been approved by the moderator it will be posted to the website.
From: Mark Memorial Funeral Services
Mark Memorial Funeral Services Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Renee Simand
Dearest Shawndelle- so deeply sorry to hear of the tragic loss of your beloved Kerry.
He sounds like was a strong, loving and passionate individual
Sending my condolences
Your physio university friend – Renee
From: Shannon Wires Chippendale
Relation: Old friend
Dear Shawndelle,
Somehow it does not seem so long ago that you were dancing at your wedding, with eyes full of love. I wish you comfort in your pain and peace in your heart, as you celebrate and remember Kerry’s remarkable life. Thinking of you and sending you my love. Shannon
From: ANNA FRAENKEL
Shawndelle, I am sending you love. My deepest condolences to you and your family on Kerry’s passing. May his memory be a blessing.
From: Dion Langevin
Relation: went to church with him and he was a friend
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Kerry I had known Kerry for a while and had helped out with Uptown with him he was a good friend and a Brother in Christ
From: isobel and Grant Gibson
Relation: Nephew-in-law
We feel such a loss for you, Shawndelle and the Pocha family. Kerry brought great joy to you and to the world. He will be sorely missed.
From: Ann-Marie Schmidt
Relation: Cousin
This is a beautiful tribute and it brought back so many fond memories of our childhood together. Sending hugs and love to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Kerry.
From: Nancy Lee, Roger White
Relation: Through Sharron and John Hanna in Ottawa.
A truly heartfelt tribute. Condolences to Shawndelle on the loss of Kerry, Nancy Lee and Roger White
From: Steve Desjardin
Relation: cousin
Kerry you will be missed, my heart is filled with sorrow, we had some great times over the years. Unbelievable how those memories have been flooding back. My thoughts and prayers to everyone.
From: Caroline & Arnold Midgley
Relation: He is the husband of our long-time friendship with Shawndelle and her family.
Dear Shawndelle- we are so sorry for the loss of your dear Kerry. Your tribute gives a beautiful insight into Kerry’s character, talents, deep faith, love of life and adventure. May you find comfort and peace in the embrace and love of family and friends and may the love and light you shared with Kerry carry you through this sorrowful time and beyond. Our deepest sympathy go to you, the Pocha and Hanna families.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
Date & Time:
January 29, 2022
Beginning at 1:30pm
Location:
Alliance Church
1200 Kootenay Street North
Cranbrook, BC Canada
1200 Kootenay Street North
Cranbrook, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Live Service
Live Service will stream January 29th at 12:30PMSend Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered at:
MJ’s Floral Boutique
24 10th Avenue South
Cranbrook BC V1C 2M8
250.526.5689
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the Funeral Home information.
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Send Condolence - For Kerry Pocha
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