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WINDLER:

Our beloved husband and father, Hans Ulrich Windler, passed peacefully at his home in Elkford with his family at his side on March 27, 2016, at the age of 69. Hans was born in Schlattingen TG, Switzerland on the family farm on May 27, 1946 to parents Gustav and Elsa Windler.

Hans will be dearly missed by his loving wife Ooy, and their three wonderful children: Thai-Lynn, James and Michael. He is also survived by his sister Ursula Reynolds Windler (Jim), brothers Christian Windler (Franziska) and Jakob Windler (Maya), and nieces and nephews: Christina Reynolds-Henne, Kathryn Selman-Reynolds, Johanna Reynolds, Markus Windler and Stefan Windler.

Hans was an excellent chef and loved cooking from a very young age. He attended the village school in Schlattingen and secondary school in Diessenhofen, Switzerland. He completed his obligatory work/study on a farm in the Canton of Neuchatel, in the French part of Switzerland. Hans completed an apprenticeship as a cook, and at the same time, took classes at a trade school in Basel, Switzerland.

Hans immigrated to Canada in 1966 and worked at various first class restaurants in Montreal. While in Montreal he also took up boxing and won several Welterweight championships.

In the early seventies, Hans moved to Elkford, BC working many years as chef/manager for Cal Van camp. In 1988, Hans was Head Chef in the athletes’ village at the Calgary Olympics, which was one of the highlights of his career.

In the 1980’s and 90’s Hans held various jobs as the manager/Chef for catering firms servicing mining and exploration companies in several remote areas of Alberta and British Columbia.

In 1995 Hans married Jutarat Pisud (Ooy) and they were blessed with their three children. Hans was the backbone of his family, and was a loving husband and father. He appreciated the simple things in life, enjoying drives around the Elk valley, and was an avid gardener before his health prevented him from working outdoors. He also enjoyed bringing home his firewood. Hans loved his dogs, and received many awards for his purebred German Shepherds.

Hans had a very strong work ethic and made it a priority to pass that on to his children. He taught them to appreciate everything based on its merit, rather than its monetary value. Hans was outgoing and willing to strike up a conversation with anyone.

Hans spent the last years of his career in Campbell River on Vancouver Island as managing chef, before retiring.

Hans will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association. Memories & condolences shared at www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.