Wenezenki, Jules
1916 - 2005
Jules passed away on Wed-nesday, November 2nd, 2005 at the age of 89. With his loving family at his bedside, he peacefully left us after a long and interesting life.
Born in Czechoslovakia, Jules came to Canada when he was five years old with his family, who settled in Southern Manitoba. Here he met and married his wife of 57 years, Olga and they quickly completed their family circle with the birth of their four children. Jules and Olga decided that British Columbia could provide more opportunities for their family, so in 1953 they moved to Burnaby. After living there for a year, it became evident that city life was not for them. As a sought after autobody repairman, Jules quickly gained employment in Port Alberni, and here the family thrived. Over the years, Jules held many executive positions in various organizations like the Curling Club, the Golf Club, the Sea Cadets and Minor Hockey. Living almost 40 years in Port Alberni, Jules became a well-known member of the community.
Jules and Olga shared a love of travel and of the outdoors. After many years of RV travel all over North America, and adventures abroad, they bought a much loved wilderness retreat down the Alberni Inlet at Haggard’s Cove. Here they hand cleared their land, and built a great cabin which they called “The Duck’s Nest”. The entire family would often congregate here to enjoy many great fishing adventures and seafood feasts.
In the early 1990’s, Olga and Jules moved to Courtenay and lived in Valley Vista Estates, where he once again became involved in his community. As president of Valley Vista’s Community Organization, he greatly enjoyed interacting with the many new people he would meet. He also became a member of Sunnydale’s famous “Rat Pack” men’s golf group, and regularly golfed his age well into his 80’s. It wasn’t until he was 88, after taking a fall, that he had to discontinue golfing at Sunnydale. Quitting however, was not in Jules vocabulary, and he managed to golf a few times at Longland’s Par 3 up until he went into hospital in October 2005.
Jules was predeceased by his wife Olga in 1996. He is survived by his four children: Dianne (Rick) Bodnar, Sharon (Glenn) Parker, Larry (Linda) Wenezenki and Sandi (Norm) Parker; 10 grandchildren: Tracey, Brad, Cheryl, Rhonda, Annette, Kimberley, Regan, Tara, Brandon and Dustin; and nine great-grandchildren: Michael, Tommilyn, Shailyn, Harrison, Larryssa, Mikaila, Alexander, Larry and Kianda. Jules greatly enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they all have fond memories of their unique “Grampa Chocolate”.
Service to be held in Christ The King Catholic Church on Monday, November 14 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS, 45 Dunlevy Ave, Suite 230, Vancouver, BC V6A 3A3.