We Remember

KUHN, Charles Richard “Chuck”

January 10, 1936 — January 28, 2025

Charles “Chuck” Richard Kuhn, born January 10, 1936, in Whitemouth, Manitoba, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2025, at the age of 89 in Kelowna, British Columbia, due to complications of vascular dementia.

Son of Ferdinand “Fred” & Olga Kuhn (née Munk), Chuck was born at the midpoint of a long lineup of siblings. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1958 with a degree in Pharmacy. His career spanned decades, first as an employee of Moiser’s Pharmacy (Cloverdale, BC) and subsequently as the owner of North Kamloops Pharmacy (which he later sold to Shoppers Drug Mart).

In 1959, Chuck met Betty through a memorable blind date swap at a Port Alberni Jaycees convention. After just six dates and a four-month separation while Betty travelled to Europe, Chuck met her plane with a ring in hand. They married in June 1961 and built a life filled with love, family, and adventure.

Chuck was deeply committed to public service. He served as a board trustee for the Kamloops School District and participated in other local civic organizations. A dedicated member of the Rotary Club of North Kamloops, he served as Club President, District Governor for International District 5060, and was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. His involvement took him around the globe, from many parts of the US, to South Korea, as well as India to participate in PolioPlus. With Betty’s help, Chuck fostered lifelong international connections through Rotary, hosting numerous exchange students including Pinky (Philippines), Ally (Australia), Carlos & Gerardo (Mexico), Jesper (Denmark), Markus (Germany) and Andrew (South Africa). The Rotary Four Way Test guided Chuck’s view of the world and how he interacted with others in it, so it is no surprise that he explicitly requested it be included in his obituary:
• Is it the truth?
• Is it fair to all concerned?
• Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
• Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Chuck was an outdoor enthusiast with multiple sporting interests. He excelled in volleyball and hurdles during university, and continued to enjoy alpine skiing, curling, golfing, hiking, fishing, and biking into his 80s. These fuelled adventures such as hiking the West Coast Trail (with his brothers Al, Norm, George & Bill, all in their 70s), and sailing off the coast of BC and on Shushwap Lake. He also earned CTFA certification that allowed him to officiate jumping events at high level track and field competitions including several Canada Games and the Commonwealth Games (Victoria 1984). Chuck also competed in dance contests on his own in high school & university, and together with Betty in later years. They could cut a rug and ruled the dance floor, especially when it came to jive.

Chuck’s adventurous spirit was matched by Betty’s as they visited every continent together, including Antarctica when he was 82. They travelled by plane, cruise ship, railway, car, and even camel over their nearly 64 years of marriage. They weren’t afraid to strike off on their own, but also enjoyed the company of family (especially Pat and Norm), as well as friends like their “cruising gang”.

Chuck is survived by his beloved wife Betty; daughter Sue & her partner Dave Rathnow; son Steve & his wife Kelly Maddox; grandchildren Ileana & her fiancée Skender Spaho, Mattias, Harper, and Willa; and countless friends and loved ones. He is predeceased by his siblings Hannah, Audrey, Bill, Edward, Norman, Nelson, George, Ernie, Herman, Violet, and Sylvia; and leaves behind his brothers Alfred, Arthur, Ken & Don.

Chuck was the kind of friend you could phone and say, “Can we come for dinner on Friday, and stay overnight, and there are eight of us” and you know he would say yes. And, he rarely turned down an offer of a single malt whisky.

His legacy of service, adventure, and kindness will be cherished by all who knew him.

To see & hear more about Chuck and his life, please refer to tinyurl.com/charleskuhn. The family appreciates your support and requests that any floral tributes be replaced with donations to Rotary International Foundation Polio Plus Fund .

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

Share with Others:

Share on Facebook
Share Via Email

Send Condolences
Send Flowers, Sympathy Card or Comfort Meal
Rotary International Foundation Polio Plus Fund Link: my.rotary.org/en/polioplus-fund

 


 


Condolences

  • Eric Wiebe says:
    February 5, 2025 at 10:26 am

    Betty, so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband Chuck. I recall with great fondness working with you on learning styles for my masters degree in education. You were truly an inspiring teacher who I looked up to with great respect. Condolences on your loss.

    Reply

Leave a Condolence Message for the Family


» To share your condolence on this page please fill out the requested fields.
» If you have a photo to share, please do so as families appreciate it. To share a photo (please note, just one photo per condolence please), click the 'Choose File' button and select a photo from your computer.
» Once you are done, click the 'Share' button.
» Your email is never published or shared. Your name and email are both required.

NOTE: all messages will go through an administrative process before being posted.

Testimonials

They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke

I liked the personal treatment given to my mother who is 97 years old. As her representative, I found Springfield employees pleasant and sincere, helpful and knowledgeable. Something I didn’t know, was that the funeral home would help me get through the paperwork need at this time. I am very thankful for that.

Janice Cornell

Genuine concern, excellent service, very professional. Since this was my first experience (with a funeral home), everything was above and beyond what I expected.

Randy Hatanaka

Thank you to your team for your kindness to me at a very challenging time.  You have now taken care of both of my parents with professionalism and care.

Nancy Farran

Springfield Funeral Home is always professional, caring and very knowledgeable.  We appreciate that you have dedicated staff for all needs from planning the service to completing government paperwork.

Timothy Morio Tahara

I am not sure there was anything you could have done to make a very intense emotional time less stressful.  Although we hadn’t expected Ken to want a service, when he said we needed to have one for us not him, it was true.  Your sincerity and compassion meant everything to us.  Thank you.

Gwen Harvie

David Henseleit, your compassion and professionalism is truly amazing!  The entire staff were courteous, super professional and caring as each guest arrived.  Everything was done to perfection!

Myra Neuman

Keep up the good work that you do as it is such an important service you provide.  It is still the most difficult time in a person’s life.  Your kindness is so appreciated.  We appreciated the peace of mind that everything was being looked after.

Gloria Couture

You provide a wonderful service for people going through a traumatic time.  Thank You.  The kindness and professionalism shown by the staff at Springfield Funeral Home was exemplary.

 

Kim McCaveney