BOEK, Adriaan Wicher

May 11, 1945 — December 2, 2024

Adriaan Wicher Boek passed away peacefully on December 2, 2024, in Kelowna, BC.  Born in Brummen, the Netherlands on May 11, 1945, he was the first baby born in the village after the liberation by the Canadians, and perhaps that is what led him to eventually move his family to Canada in 1988.  Adriaan is watching over Gwen, his loving wife of 51 years, his daughter Werna, his beautiful granddaughters Molly and Ava, and his son Arnoud.  In the Netherlands he is remembered by his 3 younger brothers Cees (Gerrie), Anno (Maria), Geralt (Hanneke), and their children and grandchildren, as well as Gwen’s sisters and their families, Gies (Stuart), and Corine (Paul).

When Adriaan was 18 years old, his father became sick, so he left school and took over his paper and packaging factory, which he ran successfully until, at the age of 43, he sold the business to follow his dream and move to Canada.  Ignoring what people thought of this bold move (and having finally convinced Gwen to pack up and leave their friends and family), he stumbled upon the opportunity to buy a business in one of the most beautiful places in Canada, Kelowna, BC – and he never looked back!  He ran Ducky Down Downquilts with his wife Gwen, until he reluctantly sold the business and retired in 2020.  Although there were struggles along the way (including: years of commuting between Kelowna and Vancouver to keep the business running and losing their home during the fire in 2003), Adriaan would always remind his family that they had everything they needed and that they were in fact on a permanent vacation.  Bertram beach days on Sunday afternoons in the summer, sailing on the lake, skiing with the kids, and cross-country skiing with Gwen (who never was able to get on a chairlift) just to name a few of his favourite things.

Adriaan, although quiet by nature, radiated love and kindness, and his positive energy and calm demeanour is what made people want to be in his presence.  When he had something to say it was always considerate, genuine and wise.  Adriaan never sat still.  He sat on the board of St. Paul’s United Church for many years and helped bring their bell tower to life.  He loved working in the yard he called his paradise; creatively fixing things around the house; making his own wine; skiing Big White, which he did until he was 77 years old; playing the stock market, a passion he took years to perfect; and he always had time to dance in the kitchen with Gwen.

Adriaan was diagnosed with vascular dementia nearly 2 years ago, and although we are heartbroken to have him taken from us too soon, we remember the words he always said… “this too will pass”.

You’ve got your wings now, rest in peace, until we meet again.

Please help us support those affected by dementia by donating to Alzheimer Society British Columbia, where all donations received up until December 31/24 will be matched by the Friends of the Society, a group of generous donors.

A Memorial Service will be held on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2024, at 1:00 PM (PST), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service, a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

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

LIVESTREAM:

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Service Details

The service for BOEK, Adriaan Wicher is scheduled for SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2024, at 1:00 PM (PST). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:

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Special Requests:

None.

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