Tribute

Theodore (Ted) Quelch passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on April 29, 2022. Ted leaves behind his son, Dale Quelch (Laurel); daughter, Barb Verkerk; six grandchildren – Tyler Verkerk (Elizabeth), Krista Cal (Dustin), Tiffany Murray (Mike), Taryn Kristalovich (TJ), Alexander Quelch (Anneke), and Nicholas Quelch (Rebecca); and 11 great-grandchildren Dyson Cal, Daxton Cal, Baiet Quelch, Eleanor Verkerk, Kezlin Cal, Theo Kristalovich, Olen Quelch, Owen Verkerk, Mia Quelch, Jovie Quelch, and Adelia Kristalovich. Ted was predeceased by wife Bernice, sister Rhona McCoppen, and great-granddaughter Alexandra Verkerk.

Born August 18, 1931 to parents George and Dorothy Quelch in Peitaiho Beach, China, Ted spent his younger years with older sister Rhona living on a small farm, enjoying summers at the beach, boarding school during the year, and playing with local friends. Ted spoke fluent Mandarin as a child and had fond memories of growing up in China. After his father’s death in 1938, his mother, a nurse, continued to raise the family on the farm until 1942 when the family was interned in a concentration camp by the Japanese military during the war. In 1945, after being liberated by the Allied forces, the Quelch family was transferred to Shanghai. Dorothy and Rhona stayed in Shanghai for a further six months, recovering from illness, while Ted travelled at age 14 by ship alone to England to stay with his uncle. Just a few years later, Ted journeyed to southern Saskatchewan to stay with family and helped with work on the farm. He completed his high school education in Three Hills, Alberta, where he stayed to work for Prairie Bible Institute. While there, he met and fell in love with Bernice Dahl.

Ted and Bernice were married July 14, 1956 and moved to New Westminster, BC where they were charter members of the Evangelical Free Church. Ted served the church actively in many capacities, including working with the Gideon Ministry distributing Bibles. Their son Dale was born in 1957, and daughter Barbara was born in 1958.

Ted worked for BC Telephone Co. for roughly 35 years before retiring to Oliver in the Okanagan Valley. Ted and Bernice joined the Oliver Alliance Church and enjoyed many years of retirement there. Bernice sadly passed away in 2011. Ted remarried Nada Cerna and lived in Oliver and Penticton.

Ted enjoyed the outdoor lifestyle with his family, camping, boating, fishing, hunting and travelling. He loved to be with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Ted will be remembered for his strong faith in God, and his love and devotion to his family. He was a kind and gentle man, and will be greatly missed by family and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 16^th at 1 pm at Oliver Alliance Church, 6835 Leighton Crescent, Oliver, BC.

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