September 25, 1930 - October 9, 2018
On October 9th, 2018 we bid a bittersweet "Auf Wiedersehen - Adieu" to Waldemar "Wally" Liefke. He was predeceased by his parents and by his first wife, Ann. He will be remembered as a loving husband to Friedel; dear father to Karen (Serge), Wilf (Shelley); big brother to Richard (Edith), Willi "Bill" (Dawn): cherished Grampa to Rene (Carrie), Nikolas (April), Brandon (Amanda), Patrick, Courtney; Opa to Rowan, Tilda, Hudson and one more great-grandchild's pending arrival. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Wally was born on September 25th, 1930 to Rudolf and Leokadia in Pasieka, Poland, living on the family farm until war forced them to seek refuge in Germany. There he apprenticed as an auto mechanic. In 1949, together with his family, he was accepted to immigrate to Vernon, B.C. under the auspices of the Canadian Christian Council for the Resettlement of Refugees. In Vernon, he worked long, hard hours at various jobs, including time as a railroad worker for CPR. Eventually, he landed a job in his true calling, automotive repairs. After 15 years with Vernon Motor Products, he started his own business under Wally's Gulf and Park Lake Motors.
He treasured spending time with his family and friends at the summer cabin on Okanagan Lake and enjoyed going fishing, even if the fish didn't want to be caught. In later years, he and Friedel travelled to Germany and by RV to visit family and friends in B.C., Alberta and the United States, including one memorable trip to Alaska.
A private family Graveside Service preceded a Celebration of Wally's Life which will be held at Peace Lutheran Church on Thursday, October 18th, 2018 at 1:00 pm with Pastor David Hunter officiating. A Reception will follow in the Peace Lutheran Fellowship Hall.
Condolence messages to the family can be emailed to bethelchapel@uniserve.com.
As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so may send donations in memory of Wally to Peace Lutheran Church or to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation 2101 32nd Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 9Z9.
Funeral arrangements have been made with Bethel Funeral Chapel Ltd., 5605 27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5, (250) 542-1187.
Service Details
1:00 PM