We Remember
PONTO, Reinhold
December 4, 1931 — July 14, 2023
We sadly announce the passing of Reinhold Ponto, on Friday, July 14, 2023, at age 91. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lydia; their three sons Reinhard, Don, and Perry; their granddaughter Mikayla; and his sister Erika.
Reinhold was born on December 4, 1931, in Ciucurova, Romania, where he spent his childhood with his parents Wilhelm and Susanne Ponto; two brothers, Franz & Johann; and four sisters, Rosa, Alwina, Anna, and Erika.
In 1940, because of the war, the family was relocated a number of times around Poland and Germany, during which time Reinhold earned his Gesellenbrief (journeyman certificate) as a Blacksmith.
At the end of the war, the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Oliver, BC. Reinhold then worked around BC in a variety of jobs. In 1955, he joined Monashee Manufacturing in Kelowna, BC, building timber and mining equipment. He earned his Master’s Certificate there, and after 37 years, he retired at the age of 60.
On New Year’s Eve 1953/54 he met his future wife, Lydia Heise, at a German dance in Vernon, BC. Two years later, on June 29, 1956, they married, settled in Kelowna and built their home of 50 years. In 2006, they moved to a retirement community, where they spent many relaxing hours working their spectacular flower gardens.
Reinhold personifies the strength, tolerance, and kindness to which everyone should aspire. The world has changed significantly over his 91 years, and it has grown richer and better because of Reinhold Ponto.
A Celebration of Life will be held on THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023, at 4:00 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 (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
For those who wish to pay your respects at a later date, Reinhold will be laid to rest at the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery during an intimate burial.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM:
Service
THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023, at 4:00 PM (PST)
Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME
Dear Lydia & Ponto Families, My deepest condolences to you all at this difficult time. Ruth Beger
Don, Reinhard, Perry, and Mrs. Ponto:
Our condolences on the passing of your father and husband. His friendly way and sense of humour always made us enjoy chatting with him during the years of visiting the home with Don or afterwards when we would run into him occasionally around town. It was obvious he was a fantastic father and loving husband and our thoughts are with the family.
Lance and Michelle Marshall
Reinhard and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
My heartfelt condolences to the family. He would be missed dearly.
We are so sorry to hear of Uncle Reinholds passing. Our deepest sympathies. Charlotte, Bernhard, Edie, Walter, Laura, Irma and Rose (Henry and Ella Helm’s children)
Dear Lydia & Ponto Family,
Our deepest condolences to you all at this difficult time. My Dad Paul Hamlescher, Reinhold’s cousin just passed away this past week on August 23, 2023 after a long illness as well. We know how hard this is for everyone.
Sincerest regards,
Simone & Irma Hamlescher
My deepest sympathy to all the family. It was a shock to me and I am sure you will miss him greatly..since my Pete, Adolf just passed away on June 29th we understand the emptiness that follows. Just remember he is still with you in all your endeavors. Our thoughts and prayers with all. Love to all. God Be with you and Bless everyone.
Lydia and family. I am so sorry to hear of Reinhold’s passing. I know you will all miss him. I am so glad that I got to meet him, probably for a 2nd time. A very kind, genuine man. He was so willing to give me Ponto family information. I know your memories will bring you comfort. God’s care and comfort. Susan