We Remember
KITSCH, Drew John – Service Info Updated
June 8, 1948 — June 18, 2023
The Church Service and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Central Okanagan United Church, 721 Bernard Ave, Kelowna, BC.
- The service will run from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, with a Celebration of Life at the same location from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- Refreshments and snacks will be served along with memories and stories.
Drew John Kitsch, (75), of Kelowna, BC, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2023, surrounded by family.
Drew was born to Rudy and Patricia Kitsch on June 8, 1948, in Kelowna. He was a talented athlete who played hockey with the Kelowna Jr Buckaroos and was a sponsored driver racing cars in the regional stock car racing circuit winning many races. An avid outdoorsman, Drew loved to be in the backcountry fishing, hunting, or snowmobiling with friends and family. Drew had a strong passion for music and learned to play the bagpipes, often attending local and international competitions. Drew spent his working career in key roles on various construction projects in locations all over the world including Guyana, Barbados, and Turks and Caicos.
Drew is survived by his wife Denise; and three sons Daman (Christine), Brody (Jesse), and Taylor; five grandchildren Ethan, James, Carys, Sian, and Sidney. Of Drew’s three siblings, he is survived by his brother Bruce (Esther), and sister Leigh (Stan). He was predeceased by his beloved brother Kenny.
Drew could often be found walking around his neighborhood greeting everyone and their pets lovingly on his way to donate food and church service at First United Church. He had a great ability to make people smile and laugh and his sense of humor will be dearly missed.
While he was taken too early, the positive impacts he made on everyone he touched will be remembered and cherished always. With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to a special husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 1:00 pm
Location
Central Okanagan United Church
My condolences to Drews family. I have known the family since moving to Kelowna in 1969 and lived next door for many years. Most recently getting to know Drew as he came to worship at Central Okanagan United Church (formerly First United Church and will miss him dearly.
Drew and I were friends when we were little boys riding our bikes around Kelowna and playing at each others homes
We lost touch over the years but I have fond memories of a really nice guy
My condolences to Drew’s family
You lost him far too early
Sincerely
Terry Johnston
I am sorry for your loss Denise, Daman, Brody, Taylor and Bruce & Esther, and Leigh & Stan. Drew was a great friend. We hunted, fished, built and raced modified oval track race cars in the Pacific Northwest. We generally had good times through our many years of friendship. Drew will be sadly missed. Love to all, Gary & Kathy Ferguson and family.
My condolences to family.
To Denise and the Kitsch family. Miss seeing on his walks around town. Everytime we watch the Price is Right we will remember you with a smile. RIP Drew.
My sincere condolences to Denise, Bruce and Drew’s family. I first met Drew on a project we worked on together in Guyana in the late 1980’s. As we were both from British Columbia, we became instant friends. We reconnected again recently and had hoped to catch up this summer. We will all miss him. Here’s an old picture he gave me many years ago – Drew is on the left, next is the “captain” of the (leaking) boat we used for an adventurous journey down the Demerara River to inspect a quarry, beside him is Bill Ripat (the Delcan Project Manager) and I’m on the right. How quickly time passes us by.
My dearest brother in law, no amount of words can convey the sadness we are experiencing knowing we are not going to see you again.. We love you Drew., We are going to take care of Denise for you.
So sorry to hear of Drew’s passing, A good friend through our school days and minor hockey. Garney Howard
Oh Drew! You were my heart throb in 6th grade. I’ve known you forever and even though I’ve been gone for years, we met up a few times to say hello. Once in the Turks where I met Denise and another time in Kelowna. You were always so happy!
My love to Denise and your sons, Bruce & Esther and Leigh.