Kurt Gunther Lauridsen

Kurt was born in Aabenraa, Denmark the youngest of three children. He immigrated to Canada in 1954 on the S.S. Ryndam, landing at Pier 21. He ended up in Cochrane Alberta where he worked at a pig farm for a short time before getting a job in construction. He decided to travel by bus to Vancouver to see his sister, but on the way stopped in Kelowna where he ended up staying. His first job in Kelowna was at The Kelowna Machine Shop, where he stayed for a few years before being approached to work on the CNR Tugbog that transferred railway barges between Kelowna and Penticton. From there he moved to Vancouver to work as a steam engineer on the S.S. Prince George passenger ship traveling from Vancouver to Alaska. During one of Kurt’s leaves from the ship he met Irene, a young lass that had immigrated from Scotland. They were married soon after and moved back to Kelowna to start a family of their own.

Kurt always loved animals, in particular dogs and birds. He bred and trained german shepherds and had homing pigeons. Later in life he took great joy in raising canaries and finches.

Kurt was dedicated to his job as the maintenance supervisor at S&K Simpson (later known as Tolko) for some 25 years. He could fix anything and being a bit of an inventor, could build or design whatever was needed. He was an accomplished woodworker and carpenter who loved to work with his hands and also his mind.

Kurt was always so proud and never forgot his Danish heritage, but he was equally proud to be a Canadian citizen, often commenting on how lucky he was. He was an excellent father and providing for his family always took top priority. He was open minded, caring and kind. He was not only the best father to his three children, but also the best and most welcoming father in law, grandfather and great grandfather.

Kurt is predeceased by his mother and father, two older siblings (Erna and Hans Otto), and his grandson Quinn. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Irene, and his children: Steve (Judie), Craig (Maria), Heather (Dean). He will also be missed by his grandchildren Sara (Mike), Becky (Eric), Kieran, Hannah, Katie (Nick), Kristen (Aaron) and two great grandchildren Aurora and Leif as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Thank you to Dr. Hart for his many years of excellent care, and also all the staff at Hawthorne park for their kind and compassionate care.

As Kurt was always concerned for those who were in need, in lieu of flowers please consider extending a kindness or donation to those less fortunate.

No service at Kurt’s request.