February 23, 1920 - January 29, 2020
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father and Opa, Hans-Moritz, on January 29, 2020 just a few weeks before his 100th birthday. He was predeceased by his lovely wife of 62 years, Ilona, in 2009. He is survived by his sister, Ruth Castelsky, his son Hans, daughter Serina (Charlie), grandchildren Alan (Caitlyn), Stacy (Jayme), Eryn and Emily, and great-grandchildren Brody and Everett. Hans-Moritz was born in the Silesian region of Germany and grew up in the Riesengebirge (Giant Mountains) which now form the border between Poland and the Czech Republic. He apprenticed as a pastry chef before serving in the German navy during WWII. After the war he worked with the British navy clearing mines off the coast of Norway. Hans met Ilona while on leave in Burg auf Fehmarn and they married in April 1947. Hans and Ilona immigrated to Canada in 1952 and lived in Winnipeg for many years before moving to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1963. Hans had a successful career as a cement mason with the Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons (OPCMIA) Local 300 until his retirement in 1985. Hans used his masonry skills to build a beautiful garden at their home in Pacifica, CA. He was also very active in the German community in the San Francisco Bay Area. Hans and Ilona moved back to Canada in 1987 and enjoyed their retirement years in Port Alberni, BC.
We would like to thank the staff at the German-Canadian Care Home in Vancouver, BC for their kindness and caring for our Dad the last couple of years. Condolences for the family may be left at www.bellburnaby.com