Obituary of Tony Kuenzl

Anton Kuenzl was born December 4th, 1927 in Ager Czechoslovakia. His parents Frank and Agnes brought him to Canada in 1939. The Canadian Government sent them to a remote and undeveloped part of this country now known as Tom's Lake. He later married Eleonora Dittrich and together they raised three children. Tony loved to fish and hunt for moose, deer and grouse. He enjoyed picking blue berries, mushrooms, and cranberries. He loved the outdoors and to share those experiences. He worked as a janitor at the library, and drove the library truck to deliver books throughout the peace region in his earlier years. He later worked for the Northern Lights College in Dawson Creek until his retirement. He and his band would also play at dances on the weekend. He was very talented musically and athletically. He played several instruments including the saxophone, clarinet, tuba, baritone and the accordion. He started a band called the Kuenzl nets which later became the Continentals. He was an excellent soccer player and played on the Tom's Lake team. Tony was a talented craftsman, who could build almost anything out of wood. After retirement he took up repairing violins and even built one or more from scratch as well as a couple of guitars and rifle stocks. He often found injured or lost animals and would take them home and care for them. At times the family had rabbits, cats, hamsters, and budgies and a duck which he found that could no longer fly so it swam in the pond in the back yard. His favourite animal was his German Sheppard. Tony made the best rye bread the world has ever seen and tremendous dumplings. He was also a gardener. Tony was a man of dignity, honour, respect, and integrity. He was the kind of man who thought that you should take the time to discuss things and make the better decision for the good of all, never for the sole benefit of any one individual. Tony and Lori were both members of the legion for many years. Remembrance Day was always very important to Opa. It meant a lot to him that we remember those who fought and died. Tony was predeceased by his loving wife Lori; daughter Helen; son Glen. He is survived by his son Eric (Sheree) Kuenzl; son-in-law Don Mitchell; daughter-in-law Karen Kuenzl; grandchildren Daniell (Ken) Temple, Lindsay (Dale) Arndt, Chadd (Janna) Myers, Cole Mitchell, Troy Mitchell, Ken (Tonya) Kuenzl, Doug (Miranda) Kuenzl; several great grandchildren. Tony passed away Saturday, May 23, 2010 in Dawson Creek, BC at the age of 82 years. A celebration of Tony's life was held Monday, June 7, 2010 at 1:00 pm from Reynars Funeral Home; Pastor Ruth Czerniak officiated; Interment will be at a later date. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Tony to the Alzheimer Society 9005 Lyman Drive, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 3N1.