KURTZ, Jeremy Stephen

April 9, 1983 — November 17, 2023

Jeremy Kurtz, 40, died unexpectedly on November 17, 2023. He leaves behind a broken-hearted family to mourn him: his loving parents Barry & Linda; his brother Mack & sister-in-law Carole; sister Melanie & brother-in-law Darcy; and brothers Joel, Jacob, and Jesse. He will also be missed by his niece Ella and nephews, Trevor and Caden; his grandparents Rev. Reuben & Hannah Schmunk; and numerous other extended family members. Jeremy was an important part of the family and the loss affects them all.

Jeremy Kurtz was born in Vernon, BC, and grew up on Vancouver Island in a large loving family. Early on Jeremy’s sense of fun was evident.  He enjoyed joking around and his competitive nature made games and sporting events memorable. In his short life, Jeremy had many jobs.  He possessed a natural affinity for working with people and honed his listening skills and ability to empathize, working his way up to management on many of his job sites.

For the past seven years, Jeremy lived in Kelowna.  He became acquainted with Freedom’s Door, an organization with the vision of bringing hope, healing, and wholeness to men suffering from addiction.  Jeremy found acceptance and recovery at Freedom’s Door, and then as a person with the experience of living with addiction, Jeremy became a resource for others.  He welcomed others with open arms, and using his natural people skills, he listened, for as long as they needed, building many trusting relationships that helped others on their path to healing. For the last year of his life, Jeremy worked for Freedom’s Door and had decided to become an addiction counselor.

Over the years Jeremy played drums in gospel rock bands, and he continued this in Kelowna.  Jeremy became part of the community at Trinity Church in Kelowna, growing in his faith and supporting others in their spiritual journey.  Jeremy was a man in whom many found refuge, and his sudden passing has left a large hole in his family and the community.

A small Memorial Service was held at Freedom’s Door, and the family will gather to have a meaningful goodbye in 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Freedom’s Door, a cause near and dear to Jeremy’s heart.

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