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John Koteles
December 11, 1926 - May 25, 2016
Tribute
John Koteles, age 89, passed away unexpectedly at home on May 25, 2016.
John was born on December 11, 1926, in Bodvalenke, Hungary to parents Josef and Emma Koteles. He was their second son. In 1949 he took a ship to Halifax where he met his future wife, Margaret. He then travelled across Canada by train to settle and reunite with his father in Oliver. They were living on Road 2 running an orchard. In October 1951 he married Margaret Barat in Saskatchewan and brought her back to Oliver. He was managing orchards and worked at the original Pacific Silica Mine until they discovered spots on his lungs and thought he was developing silicosis. In 1952 he and Margaret welcomed their first child, Mary Elizabeth. John (Jack) Steve joined them in 1953 and Elizabeth (Betty) Margaret rounded out their family in 1955.
They purchased their property on Road 5 in 1959 where both he and Margaret resided until their deaths. John was active in the South Okanagan Hungarian Club for many years serving on the Executive and President for many years.
John loved his family whole heartedly and would have done anything for them.
He is predeceased by wife, Margaret, son, Jack, brothers, Joe and Bill in Hungary and parents, Josef and Emma.
He is survived by daughters, Mary Wardlaw, Betty (Kelly) Brown, 7 grandchildren, Terry Taylor, Diana (Ed) Warkentin, Andrew (Shannon) Koteles, Cheryl (Steve) Bell, Michael Taylor, John (Jen) Koteles and Kate (Sean Bryson) Brown and 9 great-grandchildren, Dakota, Brian, Kael, Jordyn, James, Kayla, Ethan, Rachel and Christopher.
A family service was held at 11:00 am Saturday May 28, 2016 at the Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Chapel.
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osoyoos.
Condolences
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From: Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff
Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Brenda Shaw
Relation: Friend
My deepest sympathies to the Koteles family on the loss of such a wonderful man. Over the years, Norma and I used to come out and get our fruit and visit with your Mom and Dad. A truly wonderful couple! God keep them in the palm of His hand now and forever….
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
May 28, 2016
Beginning at 11:00am
Location:
Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Chapel
5855 Hemlock Street
Oliver, BC Canada
A family service was held at 11:00 am Saturday May 28, 2016 at the Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Chapel.
5855 Hemlock Street
Oliver, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
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6049 Main Street, Oliver, BC
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Gems and Stems at Eastside
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Polka Dot Door Floral Design Boutique
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(250) 495-2226
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