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 .

  • sirisha

    So sorry for your loss Barb. May all the wonderful memeories of him bring you peace and calm at this time.

  • Shirley Goodburn

    Terry and Barbara, our thoughts and prayers are with you both at this very difficult time. As long time neighbours when you were young girls, many wonderful memories of your time on Manson Ave. My thoughts are with you both. We still chat about your Mom and Dad and you both.

    Take care. Shirley Clutterbuck, Linda, Judy, and Bill.

  • Therese Harper

    Barb,

    Your dad sounds like he was a wonderful man with a great love for family. Thinking of you, and sending much love to you and your family during this difficult time.

  • Willow Yamauchi (Goddu)

    Barb, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your father sounds like a tremendous human being.
    With sympathy.

  • Jennifer Gough

    Barb, we are thinking of you and sending our love and support. I have such fond memories of the stories you would share about having your Dad in your home. So much love. Please take care of yourself during this difficult time.

  • Kayleigh Gordon

    So sorry for your loss. Sending you our love and condolences–please let us know if you need anything.

  • Leslie Watt

    Barb, I am deeply touched by the beautiful obituary of a good man who lived a meaningful life. Knowing you, I shouldn’t be surprised that your father was such a kind and loving soul. I wish I had had the chance to meet him. My heartfelt condolences to you and Derek, your sister Terry and her family, and Wanda. May the memories bring you comfort.

  • Patrick Lee

    Barb, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

  • Dongmei

    I feel deeply sorry about your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

  • Kelly Spilsbury

    Barb, I’m so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. It sounds like he was a great man, and he was lucky to have you caring for him in recent years! My thoughts are with you and your whole family.

  • Claudine Mesecher

    Our sincere sympathy. Thank you both for including us in the family gatherings whenever possible. It gave us the opportunity to get to meet and visit with your dad. Always happy and joyful. We will treasure our memories. Love to all! Bob & Claudine Mesecher

  • Michele Way

    Terry, Chris, Ariana, Gabi.

    I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad, Father in Law and Grand Father.
    I know this has been such a difficult time for you all.
    My heartfelt condolences to the whole family.

    Terry, you are always in my daily thoughts. ❤️
    Love Michele

  • Yi Mei

    Barb, I can tell what a great father and grand-father Horst was and how much he is loved and missed by you all. I extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family as you have lost such a beloved family member. May your father rest in peace. <3

  • Erin V

    Barb
    Sending you my heartfelt condolences and thoughts of strength during this time. What a wonderful life your Papa lived. Funny and strong with a heart of gold – just like you. He may be missed but his love will never be forgotten. XOXO

  • Chase Simms

    Barb, I am very sorry to hear about your loss – your father sounded like an amazing man. Sending you and your family my warmest condolences. Take care and sending a virtual hug.

  • Carole Very

    Barbara and Derek,

    We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your remarkable father. May your fond memories of your father comfort you at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Dave and Carole Very

  • Anita Sharma

    I’m so sorry for your loss, Barb. Your father had such a legacy and I hope he leaves you with many loving memories. Thinking of you at this time.

  • Cheryl Martin

    Barb, my sincere condolences to you and your family at the loss of a beloved father and grandfather.

  • Tiffany Hof

    Barb,

    Sorry to hear of your family’s loss. Sending warm condolences, take care.

  • Barb Bracewell

    My sincere condolences to you Barb, and to your family. Virtual hugs.

  • Gino Garcea

    Condolences Barb, to you and your family. Sounds like he was a great father, grandfather and friend!

  • Fatma Sayani

    So sorry for your loss. Papa was an amazing man, and he will be dearly missed. Sending our thoughts and prayers to your family during this difficult time.

  • Richele Shorter

    So sorry to hear if your fathers passing Barb. Feel at peace that you did all you could do to make him comfortable and loved during his final years of life. My thoughts are with you and your family.

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