We Remember
PETKAU, Wilfred Stanley
October 8, 1934 — May 11, 2024
Wilfred Stanley Petkau passed away May 11, 2024, at Glenmore Lodge, Kelowna, BC, in his 89th year. He is survived by his sons, Keith (Wendy) and Greg (Mary); daughter, Danna (Allan); six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, Robert (Bob); and many extended family members and friends. Predeceased by his wife, Elaine, and daughter, Marie.
After graduating from high school, Wilf joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. While posted in Lethbridge, Alberta, he met his future wife Elaine. They married in 1957 and transferred to Burnaby, BC, spending the next 25 years in the Vancouver area. In 1981, after retiring from the RCMP, Wilf & Elaine moved to Kelowna, BC where Wilf spent the next 11 years working in the public service sector as an employment insurance fraud investigator, fully retiring in 1992.
In retirement, you could find Wilf at the Kelowna Golf and Country Club getting ready to tee off, volunteering his services at various club events, or sitting in the clubhouse enjoying the company and friendship of all he knew. Whether it be the golf club or a coffee shop around town, spending time with family and friends was always a priority to Wilf. Another passion of Wilf’s was gardening, spending many hours beautifying the yard, which always included red and white geraniums, his late wife, Elaine‘s, favourite. In recent years, during the winter months, when he wasn’t watching curling, especially Scottie’s Tournament of Hearts, putting together puzzles, of all types, became a fun hobby for Wilf. His sons kept him well supplied. He will be remembered most as someone who was always upbeat, even when life was throwing curveballs at him. He was always ready for a laugh or two, and one who was always able and willing to help, lend a helping hand to family, friends, neighbours, whenever he could.
He will be missed by many, especially his family. Wilfred Stanley Petkau will forever be in our hearts and thoughts. May you rest in peace, dear man, rest in peace.
There will be a Graveside Service on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery, 1991 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 11:00 AM
Location
Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery, 1991 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC
My sincere condolences on Wilf’s passing. Wilf was well known amongst the Senior Men’s golf group at Kelowna Golf and Country Club. He was the 50/50 guy selling tickets at the lunch events. I had the good fortune to have played golf with him twice last year and very much enjoyed his company. He was a true gentleman and I know he will be missed by those who knew him.
Had the pleasure of sharing a fence with Wilf for over twenty-five years. Enjoyed countless conversations and laughs over the years through the spaces between the fence rails… a good neighbour fence indeed.
Sincere condolences to all the Petkau family and his many friends.
Dean, Carla, Samantha and Stephanie Temme
So sorry to hear about your Dad. The loss of him, Bill Nahirney & Chuck Aschenbrenner all from the Schmitz side of the family in such a short period of time sure has made us all realize each day is a treasure and we should enjoy. Memory’s we will always have. Love to you all.
Woody & Barb Aschenbrenner