Tribute

“Red” Thomas Carl Pocha passed away at home on the morning of Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at the age of 77 years with his family by his side.

Red was born on February 5, 1934 in MacDowall, Saskatchewan to Allan and Elva Pocha, the second of 15 children. His work life in Saskatchewan included being a farmer and logger. In 1958 he made the trek west to Cranbrook and soon was followed by the rest of his family. In Cranbrook, he met and married his love, Carol Gilchrist in November 1963 and this union was blessed with three children, Kirk, Kerry and Shane.

Red was a man of many interests and talents. He loved to hunt and trap. He had his own trap line for about 25 years. He also had a keen interest in sports, playing hockey (he was a goalie) with the Oldtimers Hockey Club as well as other teams, because if he had his way about it – he would play hockey all the time. Red also loved golf and once was a scratch handicapper. Slo-pitch was another love, and he competed at the Senior Games. Red also coached the ladies softball team for many years. With Red”s interest in archery, he and his kids started their business called Sherwood Forest 3D Archery Range and Supply. He also partnered with his sons, Kirk and Kerry, in their venture – Southern Interior Renovations.

Red was a tremendous storyteller. Everyone, young and old alike, loved to sit with him as he told his stories. He had many of his listeners encourage him to write a biography of all the different stories he told. Red”s years of logging both in Saskatchewan and in B.C. led him to participate in the logger sports at Sam Steele Days. He was very successful at this and won the title of “King of the Woods”, the top competitor for many years running.

Red loved people and saw Christ in everyone. At the time of his passing, he was the patriarch of the Abundant Life Pentecostal Assembly. His mother, Elva (Gramma Hinch) was one of the founding members of this work and Red played a part in building the local church here in Cranbrook.

Red is the beloved husband of Carol and loving father to Kirk (Lori), Kerry (Shawndelle) and Shane (Sophie), all of Cranbrook. Red also leaves five grandchildren; Curtis, Kayla, Isaac, Tenesha and Robyn. Red has also left behind his siblings; Lornel (Florie), Sylvia (Gordon) Pocha, Marlene Petersen, Clarence (Elena), Lloyd, Floyd (Cheryl), Trudy (Brian) Clifford, Alden (Christine), Audrene (Detlif) Harasiuk, and Randy ( Hazel ). He also leaves his sister-in-law; Debra Pocha and brother-in-law Roy Bailey. Red was predeceased by his parents Allan and Elva, two brothers; Lawrence and Gerald and two sisters; Audrey and Diane.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Alliance Church on Friday, November 25 at 12:00 pm with a luncheon to follow. Pastor John Telman officiating. Memorial donations in Red”s memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 19 – 9th Ave. S., Cranbrook, BC V1C V1C 2L9. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.markmemorial.com.