Tribute

Dennis Paul Knechtel, born July 26, 1955 in Kitchener, Ontario, the second of seven children.  After school, Dennis worked at his father’s painting business for a short period of time as well as working on the farm with the Weber’s before heading West to fulfil a dream at the age of 18.

He had always been inspired by stories of the big mountains being so high that one could look down upon the airplanes flying, so he loaded his canoe on top of the car and began his grand adventure.  Shortly after settling in Osoyoos he attended a church youth gathering in Princeton where he met his future wife Nettie.  They were married in August 1974 and made Oliver their home.  Over the years Dennis worked at the packing house, worked on the ranch for Doug Winter, and was an employee at a sign company belonging to Albert Lecompte.  He would later start his own company, first as a backyard business and then becoming the current Outreach Neon Ltd.  Dennis, the adventurer was also a risk taker. He loved the outdoors and was happy when surrounded by nature.  Family gatherings were very important to Dennis and there were many.  An advocate of Oliver Family Days, he became the chairman of the event.  He also sponsored a local baseball team called The Neon Riders.

Dennis is survived by his wife Nettie Knechtel and his children:

Jennifer Hartle (Matt), Amy Encina, Jeremy Knechtel and Melissa Knechtel and his seven grandchildren: James, Jayanna, Ryan, Jayden, Jasmine, Emerrit and Arabella.

His parents: Raymond Alfred Knechtel & Gladys (Scheerer) Knechtel. Siblings: Sharon Knechtel, Doris Klenot (late Larry), Brenda Bushell (late Chris), Maynard (Brenda) Knechtel, Christine (Paul) Black.

Predeceased by his daughter Angela Knechtel and his brother Donald Knechtel.

A celebration of Dennis’ life will be held at the Oliver Alliance Church.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com