Hans Horst Petracek

Hans Horst Petracek, 83, of Victoria, B.C. passed away peacefully at RJH with his loving daughter, Barbara, and son-in-law, Derek Lee, at his side.

Horst was born in Vienna, Austria on August 5, 1937 to Dr. Franz and Mrs. Herma Petracek. He grew up with his sister Helga who pre-deceased him. As a teen, he loved spending his time playing the piano, skiing, playing handball, and fencing. As he got older, he attended Vienna University and became a lawyer, practicing civil law in his father’s firm before and after his 8-year military career.

In 1968, he met and fell in love with his future wife, Roswita, whom he married in May of 1969.  Although they initially planned to stay in Austria, Roswita, who had immigrated to Canada when she was 10, convinced him that they should raise their family in Powell River, BC. In January of 1970, they immigrated to Canada, and subsequently had 2 daughters, Terry and Barbara. He had given up his law career to move to Canada and worked at the Powell River Pulp and Paper mill from 1970 until his retirement in 1997.  As a family, they loved music, travel, and skiing. Despite losing his wife, Roswita, in 1982 to cancer, Horst, who had no other relatives in Canada, chose to remain in Powell River to raise his two beloved daughters so as not to uproot them from their home, family and friends.  He was the kindest and most dependable father, grandfather and friend.

He was very fortunate to meet his special friend and companion, Wanda Schupp, in approximately 2000, whom he loved very much. Their travels, ballroom dancing and time spent together were treasured by him, as well as the time he spent with her children and grandchildren, all of whom treated him like a member of the family.

Being a grandfather was of the utmost importance to Horst and he certainly did not disappoint when it came to wholeheartedly loving his family. He attended every sporting and school event; being a constant, adoring presence in both granddaughters’ lives. His granddaughters will immensely miss seeing their favorite supporter in the stands at their soccer games, sharing slices of black forest cake and best of all- his everlasting love from a heart of gold. They plan on carrying on his legacy of joy and sharp- wit into all things they do.

He is survived by his daughters, Terry (Chris), Barbara (Derek), his grandchildren Ariana and Gabriella, and grand-dog Joey, who will all miss him dearly.

Due to COVID restrictions, a small, private family funeral will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Victoria on Thursday, April 29.  In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Victoria Symphony Orchestra (https://victoriasymphony.ca/donation/). Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com .

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