Tribute

Surrounded by family, Kerry Dean Pocha passed in to the perfect love, joy and peace of his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, January 5^th 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 29^th 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.