Obituaries

It is with great sadness that we announce that our father Len Uhrich passed away on March 6th, 2025, at the age of 85 after a short illness. He passed away peacefully with his children by his side.

Born in Bracken, Saskatchewan, on June 16, 1939, he relocated to Okanagan Centre with his family when he was five. He was the youngest of nine children.

Len is survived by his loving wife, Bea (nee Butler), his two children Mike (Ingrid) and Jane (Tony), and three grandchildren, Gabe, Emma, and Victoria. He is survived by his brothers Don and Val, and sisters Ella and Helen. He is predeceased by his mother Ethel, father Michael, and brothers Joe, Leo, and sisters Emilia and Anne.

Dad was a hardworking man who had a variety of jobs, but for most of his work life, he was a salesman in the flooring industry where he was well respected and held in high esteem. A kind, gentle, and loving soul, dad loved striking up conversations with anyone and making people smile with a dad joke, or a funny comment. Dad loved being a grandpa more than anything and could be often seen at sports events or concerts being his grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader.

A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Len was a constant presence in our daily lives, and he will be deeply missed.

A celebration of his life will be held on April 12th, 2025. To attend or for more information, please email the family at [email protected].

Arrangements are in the care of Everden Rust Funeral Home. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family by visiting www.everdenrust.com.

• Mar 23, 2025
  Len was a thoughtful, kind person. Always happy doing for someone. He loved his family very much. Can't count the number of times Len and I drove down to Osoyoos and back. Miss you and thank you Bro.
  
  - Val Uhrich
• Mar 22, 2025
  Dear Mike & Ingrid, Jane & Tony,
  
  How do you say goodbye to somebody who’s been a mentor to you for half your life.
  
  Len was one of a kind, and everyone loved him. He was aggressive in business and got the nickname "Lowball Lenny". He was frugal when estimating and sometimes installers said he was going to be short. He wasn’t, but there wasn’t much left over either. He looked after Customer‘s property when nobody was looking. In one large hotel renovation, he was able to save a roll of carpet. When he called the customer, they were surprised and delighted; they used it on another project. That’s the kind of guy Len was.
  
  Len was fun to work with. Had a great sense of humour and a great attitude. And sometimes if he told a joke for the second or third time, it was still funny. A joy to work with. He often went for coffee with commercial customers after an estimate. They enjoyed his company and he made many friends.
  
  At first, he was a customer of mine, nine years later we became partners, then years later he switched to being an employee. He worked with one long-time account until he went into the hospital.
  
  We all miss him.
  
  - Perry & Yvonne Hildebrandt
• Mar 18, 2025
  Dear Auntie Bea, Mike, Jane, Ingrid, Tony, Gabe, Emma, and Victoria,
  
  I am very sorry for your loss. Uncle Len was my great uncle... Great in so many ways and I feel lucky to have so many special memories of him.
  
  I will always remember his laugh and that great sense of humour. He was patient and kind. When I was a little kid, I spilled a whole can of orange pop all over his desk at work, and he stayed as calm as a cucumber. That moment has always stuck with me.
  
  One of my favourite stories from Granny Uhrich when we were kids was about Uncle Len finding a dead rattlesnake on the farm — and proudly carrying it around to show everyone.
  
  And no matter how old I got, he always called me kiddo — something that always made me smile and feel special.
  
  I always loved the times we were all together as a family, and Uncle Len was such a big part of those moments. He will be deeply missed by all of us.
  
  With love and sincerest condolences - Linds and George (Kennedy)
• Mar 18, 2025
  We loved Uncle Len and he will be dearly missed by everyone here in Penticton. He was such a nice man, always had a smile and a funny comment or two. He was a very compassionate man and was deeply hurt when Mom passed in 2023, and similarly when Darcy passed earlier this year. He always had a comforting word for Dad and our family. What I’ll remember most about him, is his love for family and being out on the road. For the past few years he would drive down to Penticton most every week to visit (loved the cookies or treats Mom or Tami would put out for him!). Sometimes, Dad and Uncle would Skype with Uncle Don, and the 3 of them would reminisce, chat about current events or just have some laughs. Actually, the laughs always happened! ;) More recently, he would come pick up Dad and take him for a Sunday drive. They’d sometimes grab a coffee for the road (although the coffee usually never got touched - both afraid they’d have to pee!), then stop somewhere for lunch and maybe a treat. I was lucky enough to go with them a couple times and saw firsthand how much Uncle Len (and Dad) enjoyed the scenery, the drive and the time together. Missing you Uncle Len...
  
  Jamie, Shari, Val, Tami and Kim Uhrich - Jamie Uhrich
• Mar 17, 2025
  As two preschool kids (I was 6 - Len was 4) on the prairie, there wasn't too much to keep us occupied but we were enthralled with those "mountains" to the west -- which we later learned the Cypress Hills. We longed to go there but without the means to do so -- what to do?
  
  So we found two boxes - served as seats, gathered up some sticks, pounded them into the ground - they served as gas pedals, clutch, brakes and gear shifts; then Mom gave us two large tin lids - nailed them onto longer sticks - drove them into the ground and - bingo steering wheels.
  
  We now had two cars. Then our imagination took over and we spent many happy hours driving to those mountains and touring them. Hence - Len's love of driving.
  
  We miss you bro and send much love to all your family. Don and Pat Uhrich - Don Uhrich
• Mar 17, 2025
  Working with Len over the many years, having him lay carpet in our homes and always there for a friendly chat he will be missed. Ron and Thelma White - Thelma White
• Mar 16, 2025
  I met Len, Bea and her sibling families when I moved Bea's mother into Hawthorn Park in the early nineties. A friendship was formed that never went away. Through years of moving family members, having flooring installed at my home, or doing moving for the company, we all have enjoyed each time spent together. I recently was visiting at a retirement home when I was surprised to see Len doing a flooring consultation. He said he was still living in the same house. We had a fun, memorable last conversation. - Ken Buhler
• Mar 15, 2025
  Dear Uhrich family, we are thinking of you all as you grieve and hope that our prayers help ease your sadness. Len was such a steady presence in your lives and he and Bea were always seen at school functions and sporting events, proud of the accomplishments of their grandchildren. May happy memories sustain you. - The Hrasko famiy
• Mar 15, 2025
  Dear Bea
  
  Very sorry to hear that Leonard passed away. We will miss him. Please accept our deepest condolences and our best wishes. God bless you.
  
  Dr G Swetlikoff and Staff at KNC - Dr. G Swetlikoff
• Mar 15, 2025
  To the Uhrich family. So sorry to hear about Leonard.
  
  Our condolences to all of you. RIP Leonard. - Don and Sheila Kennedy
• Mar 14, 2025
  Prayers for you all as you grieve your father’s/grandfather’s passing. May he and all the faithful departed rest in peace. Love and hugs, - Leanne Hopegood
• Mar 14, 2025
  This is so heartbreaking to hear! Len was such an amazing man and neighbour. He went above and beyond in everything he did. Always saying hello and available for a chat, and always offering to help a neighbour out. One of the good ones! Bea, Jane, and Mike I am so sorry for you loss. You lost a good one. Thinking of you all and sending my love. - Tara Shea
• Mar 14, 2025
  So sorry to hear of Lens passing.
  
  He was great to do business with and fun to just pop in and say Hi..
  
  My prayers are with the family
  
  - ESCulos
• Mar 14, 2025
  Wish to express condolences to all Lens family. Years of doing business with Len. What a honorable person. Thanks Len John Whittaker - John Whittaker
• Mar 14, 2025
  Len was such a pleasure to deal with
  
  Our thoughts and prayers are with you
  
  Domenic and Lina Rampone - Domenic
• Mar 13, 2025
  Mike, Ingrid, Gabe, Emma, Victoria, Jane and Mrs. Uhrich,
  
  We are so very sorry for this massive loss. I will remember his gentle soul and the smile that always lit up his eyes. Be gentle with yourselves in the weeks to come. Hang in to each other and your precious memories.
  
  All our love,
  
  Denise, Darrin, Gregory and Michael - Denise Paley
• Mar 13, 2025
  Growing up with Mike and living close by i spent a lot of time at Len and Bea’s house. Most every time i was there , a new puzzle was being put together. Some looked so tough but it was amazing how fast Len and Bea were on to the next one. Len took great pride in his yard , it always looked mint . Going for nice drives seeing a movie and going to the wooden nickel for a bite to eat were all things i remember that they liked to do. One of my fondest memories was a dinner out at olympia. It seemed the belly dancer took a shine to Len . He was a great sport that night . Lenny raised great kids and is one of the friendliest guys I've ever met . we will miss him so much ! Our deepest condolences to Bea, Mike and Ingrid, Jane and Tony and rest of family. - Bryan and Twyla Spannier
• Mar 13, 2025
  Have such fond memories of Uncle Leonard. He was such a wonderful person and cared deeply about family and had a terrific sense of humor. He has been such a great support for my dad Val (his older brother) and for that I will always be deeply grateful. We will miss him very much and our deepest condolences to his children, his grandchildren and to his wife Bea.
  
  Kalin and DianaUhrich - Kalin & Diana
• Mar 13, 2025
  My condolences to Mike and family. sorry to hear of your father's passing. - Bill Taylor
• Mar 13, 2025
  Bea and family. We are so sorry to hear of Len’s passing. He was such a kind person. Whenever the song Paper Rosie comes up, we will forever think of him
  
  Tom and Corinne Crockett - Tom Crockett
• Mar 13, 2025
  I have fond memories of working with Len at Carpet Mart many years ago. I will cherish those memories. - Linda Peterson

• Make Castanet Your Homepage
• News Tips
• Advertising
• Contact Us