ROMETSCH, Wilfried "Willie"
June 13, 1936-November 4, 2011
Age 75

Willie Rometsch was a character larger than life.

Willie left us on November 4, 2011 enveloped by the love of his wife Karen and his three children, Marina, Christian and Stefan.

Willie was born in Bad Wildbad, Germany to parents Frieda Rosa (Friedel) and Hermann, and was virtually raised by his older sister Trudel along with younger brothers, Hermann (Mogel) and Hans.

He grew up during the Second World War and its aftermath. He quickly learned to be a crafty, clever, street smart young man. These qualities served him well through his entire life. He took his apprenticeship at the age of 12 at the Sommerberg Hotel in Bad Wildbad. He quickly mastered the skills required to become a chef and in his early 20’s he landed in Sweden. It was there that he officially became a Master Chef and had the honor of cooking for the King of Sweden and for Noble Prize dinners.
Soon he found himself aboard a luxury cruise liner as chef for the “around the world” cruises. This affected him greatly, as he had amazing experiences and officially became an avid traveler for the rest of his life.

After Germany, Italy was his favorite destination, having much in common with the fun-loving Italians. Willie, along with the ship’s Captain, jumped ship in Houston, Texas. After marrying his Swedish girlfriend Berit, he worked as Executive Chef for major hotels. He soon opened his own restaurant, The Bismark, with Mike Steinmann.

Many other restaurants, nightclubs and business ventures were to follow. After his divorce, Willie met and married Evinia. She was from Kelowna and introduced him to the charms of the Okanagan. After a long and extremely successful career that even earned him a Michelin star for his restaurant the Rivoli, Willie semi retired from the business.

In the 1980’s he opened two nightclubs in Arizona and also met his 3rd wife Karen there in 1983. They married in 1988 and promptly had three remarkable children, Marina, Christian and Stefan. These three children were the light of his life, and as he put it,“my greatest achievement of all.” They built a beautiful home and permanently moved to Kelowna, BC, Canada in 1990 where they established a wonderful network of friends and business associates.

Willie was a man that one could hardly help but love. He was charismatic and generous. He hugged, kissed and charmed everyone he met and will be missed by everyone who had the good fortune to know him. He wanted you to know, if you think you’ve had a brilliant idea, you didn’t. It was him whispering in your ear!

We ask that his many and friends and fans to remember him celebrate his life! In lieu of flowers, please donate to “THE WILLIE ROMETSCH FOUNDATION FUND”.

You can visit them by going to www.centralokanaganfoundation.org. (or Google cof Kelowna). Click orange button DONATE NOW; next click on the red button DONATE NOW and you should see the “THE WILLIE ROMETSCH FOUNDATION FUND”. Or simply call 250-861-6160 and ask for Leanne or Mark

There will be a private Celebration of Life.

• Karen and family,
  
  Our deepest condolences to you all.
  
  Willie took a great place in our hearts - his love of life was as big as this valley and his wry humour and generosity of spirit will be much missed. In fact, they are already.
  
  Much love,
  Jamie Maw and family. Nov 9, 2011
• Willie had a twinkle in his eye for everyone he knew and loved! He was a true Light!
  
  Love to Karen and his children.
  
  From, Alexandra, Amanda and Andrea Maw Nov 9, 2011
• Willie was my friend and I am very sorry I will be missing his celebration of life, I will remember him here in the Persian gulf and will celebrate his life and the impact he had on me with other friends that knew him, loved him and miss him.
  
  Jonah Gilani and family. Nov 10, 2011
• We are sending big hugs to all of you as you journey through this very difficult time. We are thinking of you all and want you to know that we are here if you need anything. Remember the great times and know that he now is in a world full of wonderful things.
  
  Lots of Love and Hugs to you all,'Ron and Jennifer Skwarczynski (Hannah and Logan too!!) and Rachael!! Nov 10, 2011
• Karen and kids,
  
  We are so sorry about Willie's passing. We send love and prayers as you find your way during this difficult time. Take care of each other.
  
  Holly and Jason VanGundy Nov 10, 2011
• We are very sorry for the loss of Willie to you, your family and friends. Take care of yourself and know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
  
  Love, Sandy & Wayne Napier,
  Austin, TX Nov 10, 2011
• Karen, Marina, Christian and Stefan,
  
  You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. I know there are no words that can help ease your pain. I am very glad to have had the chance to know Willie and see the true love he had for his children. I know you are all making him proud.
  
  Love, Kim Dennis Nov 10, 2011
• Hi Karen and family,
  
  I hope you are all pulling through this together. I have such fond memories of Willie. When I was a little kid, and we lived on Beverly Crescent, Willie would come over and play soccer in the backyard with me; Always with such a big smile. When he made his visits to Vancouver, his conversation (and booming voice) would always be entertaining, and yes...always big hugs and a kiss when he walked through the door. I also remember so fondly, touring the Stump Lake area (and around) about a decade ago. Willie and I went for a drive and this was where I saw his vision with real estate. He parked the jeep high up on a bluff, and he looked down over the lake and imagined how he would build his cabin there and plans going forward. Willie and I would debate, endlessly about the war and, in hindsight, I see where he was the teacher and had the wisdom in advance. Finally, this summer (when Paddy and I came for a visit), it was so great to see you all. Willie in the hospital waved and said, "Hi Ryan" with that trademark accent I'll always remember. He spoke of the stock mkt (of course) with my dad, and then came the highlight: Willie paused, and looked at my dad, and smiled...he said, (kinda half smirking with admiration): "You look good Paddy." All the best to you guys, the family. And Willie, good luck on your next journey.
  
  Ryan Nov 11, 2011
• In this journey we call Life, there are friends touch you deeply, the joy of knowing Willie was truly filled with exciting memories,many warm wonderful fun filled times. You could go on forever about Willie, he was an admired man.To walk in his his light was a pleasure.
  
  Bless you Karen and Family.
  
  Chris and Walter Kase - Houston Nov 11, 2011
• Karen & Family,
  
  Deeply saddened to just learn that Willie has left us. Even when he was experiencing great pain and suffering he would offer up wonderful words of encouragement and always was so supportive. The good news is Willie is now home free. Hope one day we will see you again my friend! Our thoughts and prayers are with you Karen and family.
  
  Sincere Blessings, Ron & Cindy Cannan Nov 11, 2011
• Willie was, is, and will always be loved by us and a very important part of our lives.
  
  Paula and Leon Goldstein Nov 12, 2011
• I am sad to learn of Willie's passing. I can not ever forget how he visited my dying husband while he himself was receiving treatment at MD Anderson. He, like my husband(also German) never met a stranger.
  
  My condolences to you, Karen, Marina, Christian, and Stefan. May he rest in peace.
  
  Rita Blumenfeld Nov 12, 2011
• Karen and family,
  
  Our family has had the privilege of knowing Willie and Karen for the past 30 years. He was a canny businessman but very generous to those he knew him as well. He loved to argue with his friend Wayne Slyter who was involved with Willies 8 Mile Ranch.The arguments always ended with a laugh. He also has been very kind to our sister Janet Slyter.
  
  Karen, Marina, Christian and Stefan, please know we are thinking of you is this time.
  
  On behalf of the Mussellam family, we wish you fond memories of Willie.
  
  Fondest Regards,
  Rick Mussellam Nov 13, 2011
• It is with great sadness that I read about your father's/husband's passing. You were a family that made a lasting impression on me with each and every one of you being so unique. I will never forget watching you Karen, walk hand in hand with Willie across the parking lot singing Oh Canada on your way to pick up Marina from preschool, with Christian in tow and Stefan still in your belly. Your family radiated love to one and all. It is a sad loss for everyone who knew him. I send you all my most sincere sympathy, may the love you always showed carry you through the next phase of your journey. Take care of each other.
  
  Sincerely,
  Denise Paley
  (Marina, Christian and Stephan's preschool teacher at Room For Learning) Nov 14, 2011
• Greatly missed! Papa was always so proud of him.
  
  Lots of love,
  
  Luck & Family xxx Nov 14, 2011
• We are so sad to hear about Willie's passing. Willie was a good friend of my dad Harald Breidenstein since the 70's in Houston. Our family took over the Steamboat condo many years ago and enjoyed it for many years prior when we were children & it was owned by Willie. We also had a beautiful visit in Kelowna at Willie's first home in the late '80's. Willie was quite a legend in our family.
  
  Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, especially Marina, Christian, and Stefan. We know he loved his family immensely and was a dear friend to our dad Harald. Love, Monique
  
  Breidenstein Hill & family Dec 4, 2011
• We feel so sad and send our love to Karen and the children.
  
  Our family has known Willie since 1973 . We have gone through so many great times with Willie. Whether it was dancing at Boccacio in Houston - eating at one of his "newest " restaurants. Playing skat with the German guys in our house or having a simple meal of Pasta in Kelowna.
  We will always remember Willie for Steamboat as the Ski-condo is now part of our family so being there - the memories continue.
  
  Adriana Breidenstein
  Houston Dec 5, 2011

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