John (JK) Otto Kirchpfennig

John Kirchpfennig was born in Munich, Germany, on September 7, 1943, to Joseph Kirchpfennig and Anna Dietl, both residents of Munich at the time.

John had one sister, Helga Kirchpfennig Lorentzen, who also resides in Munich. John and Helga had not spoken for many years, and it is believed that she is still living.

In approximately 1965, John emigrated to Canada, beginning his Canadian adventure in the Prince George area, where he worked in the maintenance of bakery equipment. He quickly fell in love with Western Canada and travelled throughout the region, visiting many places along the way. Eventually, his journey led him to Vernon, in the Okanagan, where he met and married Marika Skubiak.

John owned an acreage where he was able to have horses, something he thoroughly enjoyed. He embraced the work and lifestyle that came with being a horseman and spent many happy years surrounded by his horses and the land. During this time, he also worked for Super Valu in several regions of British Columbia.

After 18 years, his marriage came to an end, and John left the Okanagan. He made his way to Alberta, working for a time in Edmonton before travelling south to discover Calgary. Eventually, he fell in love with the small mountain town of Canmore.

John found work at the IGA in Canmore and decided to make the town his home in the late 1980s. In 1994, his longtime friend, Elena (Helen) Silvestroff, joined him in Canmore. Together, John and Helen started JK Bakery, which grew into a well-established and much-loved local enterprise. In 2010, after many years of hard work and dedication, the bakery was sold to its current owners.

John was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Anna. He leaves behind his sister, Helga, and his longtime partner and friend, Helen. He will be greatly missed by the many friends, neighbours, acquaintances and mates whose lives he touched throughout the years.

John had many passions. He loved horses, the ranch, the mountains and long hikes. He had a deep appreciation for art, plants and history, and these interests helped make him a man with countless stories and tales to tell—stories that those around him loved to hear.

John did not wish for flowers. Instead, those wishing to honour his memory are invited to plant a tree in his name somewhere beautiful.

At John's request, there will be no formal funeral service. A gathering of friends will take place at Canmore Ranch which is on Bow Valley Trail across from Alpine Helicopters on Sunday, September 20 at 3:00 p.m. to share memories, stories and fun episodes from John's life, and to raise a glass and toast to his memory.

John will be remembered for his stories, his love of the mountains and horses, and the many friendships he made along the way.