Obituaries

SCHONFELD, Willi Erich

May 27, 1935 — November 4, 2022

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Willi Erich Schonfeld on November 4, 2022, at the age of 87 after a short, yet courageous battle with cancer.

Willi leaves heartbroken his wife of 55 years, Barbara; daughter Carina McCormick (Dan); son Roland (Kellie); and grandchildren Emily, Evan, William, and Lexie.

Willi was born in Oels, Silesia, Germany on May 27, 1935. At the age of 3, his parents Kurt and Walli Schonfeld moved the family to Wilhelmshaven, Germany, where Willi attended school and interned in accounting. In 1953, he came to Kelowna, picking apples, working at Sun Rype, and ended his working life as City of Kelowna Parks Foreman.

Willi was a kind and gentle man who loved his family deeply, cherished his wife and was so very proud of his children and grandchildren. He always said how fortunate he was to have his family close by.

Willi enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. During his time on this earth, he spent countless hours in his boat “The Wanderer” fishing for lake trout. He loved playing cards, Skat, Poker, Canasta, and Shanghai with family and friends. Most get-togethers ended in a card game and a glass of cognac. Many, many hours were spent watching Formula One on TV. Willi knew when and where every race was being run, who won, and all the drivers’ stats.

We would like to thank Dr. Alexis Thomson for her care and compassion. Also, the family thanks Judy Waaga for the countless hours she spent with Willi, reading and reminiscing.

In lieu of flowers, please raise a glass of cognac or eat an apple, orange, or some blueberries in Willi’s memory.

A celebration of Willi’s life will be held on WEDENSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022, at 2:00 PM (PST), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be sent to the family by visiting his obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com (or click the direct link with his name in it, just below).

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/schonfeld-willi-erich/

Condolence Messages

Nov 22, 2022
Dearest Barbara, Carina, Roland and Families,

Words cannot convey how sorry we are for your loss. We understand the pain, the sense of loss and sadness you feel, and we hope that memories will sustain you through the difficult times.

We'll hold dear our own memories, like Dieter and Willi participating in the turkey shoot and getting together with the kids when they were little.

Thank you for sharing an exceptional man with us. His light carries on in Carina and Roland and the grandchildren.

Please accept our deepest sympathy. - With much love - Marian, Mark and Kristin Schuppener
Nov 18, 2022
Dear family of Willi so very sad for your loss , I new Willi as a small child when her worked with my Dad for the city of Kelowna , and later as a Dental client always kind

and caring

Rest in easy my friend

Barbara Hughes - Barbara Wilks
Nov 17, 2022
I was saddened to hear of Willi's passing. I worked for him in the Parks Dept for many years. He was a patient quiet man who left me with a lot of great memories of those days. My condolences to his family.

Norm Ryder - Norm Ryder
Nov 17, 2022
Willi had such an awesome sense of humor, the many fun memories with him will always be cherished. Our sincere condolences to you all.

Sincerely,

Shirley McCormick,

Martin McCormick. - Shirley McCormick
Nov 17, 2022
I worked for Willi for many years at the City of Kelowna Parks Dept.. He was a caring , thoughtful person and enjoyed working with him

RIP . Willi

Ron Kabatoff - Ron Kabatoff
Nov 16, 2022
I worked with Willi for awhile at the City of Kelowna. He was very helpful and kind. I was grateful for his help. I am sorry for your loss.

C.Martin - C. Martin
Nov 16, 2022
sorry to hear of your dad's passing , Roly. pat mulligan - pat mulligan
Nov 15, 2022
Oh Barb, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your Willi. Forever in your heart.

- Ruth Rochlin
Nov 15, 2022
Dan & Carina and family,

I am sending you my condolences for the loss of your father and father-in-law. I pray for peace and comfort as you go through this difficult time. My thoughts are with you and your family.

- Lani
Nov 15, 2022
Barb, Carina, Roland and Families…

We are so very sorry to hear of Willis passing. May you find peace in knowing so many people care. Thinking of you all at this sad time

Karl and Judy Krissler
Nov 15, 2022
Dear Barb and Family,

I will miss seeing Willi in the office. He was always so pleasant and we had some lovely chats. Thinking of you all.

Patty at Dr. T’s.
Nov 14, 2022
Barb, Carina, Roland and Family. So sorry to hear of Willie's passing. He will be missed. Thinking of you during this hard time!

Wayne & Donna Hewitt - Wayne & Donna Hewitt
Nov 14, 2022
Dear Barbara and family....I will sure miss my visits with Willi. He had the best sense of humour and was such a kind and gentle person. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. - Janice Harding
Nov 14, 2022
Dear Barb, Carina, Roland and family,

I'm thinking of you and share your sorrows.

Willi was a wonderful friend and family man.

I fondly remember all the good times we had for over 50 years,

he will be missed.

Rudi Lindner - Rudi Lindner
Nov 14, 2022
So sorry to hear of your dad's passing Roland.

Fenje Blom
Nov 14, 2022
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss , sending my condolences to you all

Janice Fearn - Janice Fearn
Nov 14, 2022
Barb and family so sorry to hear of Willi’s passing, he was a lovely neighbour always with a smile and a wave. I know how much he loved his family, they will be a great comfort to you. Thinking of you!

Barb McNeill
Nov 14, 2022
I worked with Willi for many years at the City of Kelowna. He was a kind, gentle man. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Carol (Evans) Gavin - Carol Gavin
Nov 14, 2022
So sorry for your loss Barb. He will be missed.

Connie Mitchell and Family - Connie Mitchell