Obituary of Henry Andrew Krech

Krech: Peacefully, at South Huron Hospital, Exeter, surrounded by the love of his family, Saturday, December 10, 2011, Henry “Hank” Andrew Krech, of Grand Bend, formerly of Oakville, in his 78th year. Dearly loved husband and best friend of Jacqueline “Jacqui” Helen (Coulthard) Krech. Devoted father to Kathy Short and her husband Michael of Flamborough, Sue Krech and her partner Nik Shenoy of Etobicoke. Loving “Bumpa” to Christopher “Search”, Griffin “Destroy” and Lia “Princess”. Admired brother of Peter Krech and his wife Emina of Woodstock and Dan Krech and his partner Jackie of Toronto. Dear brother-in-law to Nina (Coulthard) Dresser and her husband Harold of Windsor, Joan (Coulthard) Wakeling of Port Stanley and Stan Coulthard and his wife Mary of Puce. He will be sadly missed by his aunts Katerina Avbelj, Paula Demsar, cousin Irene Hurajt and her husband Larry, all of Windsor, relatives in Slovenia, his many nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by his brothers Michael Krech and his wife Barbara, Paul Krech (Infancy), brother-in-law Bill Wakeling and parents Andrew and Louise (Avbelj) Krech. Hank’s association with the Canadian Navy contributed to the development of his strong leadership qualities. This affiliation was maintained through connections with Friends of H.M.C.S Haida, the Naval Officers’ Association of Canada and the UNTD Association of Upper Canada. Hank was a successful businessman, beginning his career at the Ford Motor Company in Windsor. After moving to Toronto he accepted increasing levels of responsibility working at E.R.C.O. Chemicals, Stone & Webster and as Executive Vice-President at St. Lawrence Starch Company Limited (Port Credit). His final position was as Chief Executive Officer at Cook’s Division of Parrish & Heimbecker in Centralia, Ont. During his career he was selected to serve on several provincial and national committees, including an appointment by the Minister of Agriculture and Food as Chair to the Ontario Grain Corn Council. Service to the community was important to Hank. He was a Charter member of the Rotary Club of Grand Bend where he was twice named a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also a member of the Men’s Probus Club of Grand Bend and Area. He was appointed Chair of the Grand Bend Community Foundation and later served as Honourary Chair. He was also Chair of the Community Improvement Coalition. Hank was recently named as one of the Community Leaders of the Decade by the Grand Bend Community Foundation. He was well respected for the guidance he brought and commitment he gave to his many community services. Of his many accomplishments, above all, his greatest pride was his family. Resting at the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, 118 Main St., Dashwood, with visitation for family and friends, Wednesday, 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Parish and family prayers at the Funeral Home Wednesday at 8:45 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, Ontario St. S., Grand Bend on Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Father Thomas Donohue Celebrant. Cremation with interment Glen Oaks Memorial Gardens, Oakville, Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Hank, are asked to consider the Rotary Club of Grand Bend or the Grand Bend Community Foundation, in recognition of Hank’s service to his community. Many thanks to Dr. George and Dr. Dingle for their compassion and knowledge. Thanks also to the nurses and staff in Respirology and Oncology at London Health Sciences Centre, Victoria Hospital, the staff of Erie St. Clair CCAC, and the nurses of Bayshore Home Health, Sarnia (Evelyn, Margaret, Linda and Janet). A special thank you to the nursing team at South Huron Hospital, Exeter for allowing seventeen family members to be present to help Hank pass through the transition from this life to the next.