William BOHME

BOHME, William Horst "Willy"
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved father at the age of 86. He was born in Leipzig, Germany on November 25, 1929 and passed away peacefully on May 7, 2016 at Richmond Hospital after a short and unexpected illness. The second of three siblings, predeceased by his elder brother, Werner and survived by younger brother, Heinz of Leipzig. His beloved wife of 41 years, Annemarie (nee Giese) passed away November 29, 1996. Willy is lovingly remembered by son Dennis, wife Dawne and daughters Bethany and Martina, son Peter, daughter Christine and daughters Melissa and Sarah. Willy grew up through the turbulent war years with his parents and younger brother in Leipzig. In 1948, Willy hiked across the east-west German border and travelled to Hamburg to find work. It was in the crop fields of Schleswig-Holstein that he met his future wife, Annemarie Giese. Although they were apart for years, Willy remained true and steadfast, writing letters throughout the long distance courtship. In 1951, he immigrated to Toronto. In 1953, he travelled to Vancouver and became a carpenter. He built over 30 houses in Vancouver-Burnaby as Bohme Construction Quality Medallion Homes. Willy married Annemarie in September 1955. In 1968, the family moved to South Burnaby. Willy later worked for the School Board and Burnaby Public Library. In 1998 he posted a note on the bulletin board of the German Alpen Club seeking a partner. A fine Swiss lady Mary Rey responded and they became devoted partners for 15 years enjoying a wonderful life together. Willy greatly appreciated the Rey family and shared many special moments with Mary's daughter Edith, husband David Preston and daughters Zoe and Emma of Montreal and her sons Peter Rey of Victoria and Rene Rey of Vancouver. Willy and Mary were members in the Swiss, Austrian and German Clubs and sang in their affiliated choirs. Celebration of Life Friday, May 20 in Burnaby at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the German-Canadian Care Home or St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Vancouver.