October 30, 1932 – May 17, 2021.
Willy Christians passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on May 17, 2021 in Victoria, B.C. Willy was predeceased 11 weeks earlier, by his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Judith, his two older sisters Bertha and Kate, his little brother Andreas, three of his children Doreen, Andreas and Martin and Great granddaughter Violet. He is survived by his younger sister Anka (Gerd), his son and daughter-in-law Lothar and Bianca, daughter Elena (Bernie), two grandchildren Michael (Sarah) and Angela (Adam) and his four great grandchildren Ayla, Elizabeth, Michael and Adyson.
Willy was born in Tönning, Germany on October 30, 1932 to parents Hans and Anni Johanna Wilhelmina Christians. In 1954 he moved to Brambauer, Germany to find work as a coal miner. It was here he met the love of his life, Judith and less than two years later, they were married. In 1957 they welcomed son Lothar and in 1966 completed their family when Ellen was born.
Willy was a hardworking man who dedicated many years of his life to his job at BC Forest Products after immigrating to Canada with his young family in 1960. He and Judith also had an avid social life in their younger years and met many life-long friends through their years as dedicated members of the Victoria Edelweiss Club. In their retirement years, Willy and Judith travelled to Germany, Florida and for many years made an annual trip to California in their motorhome to be snowbirds with friends in the sun. Willy talked fondly about his memories of their trip to Florida to the Epcot Centre and Disney World and the trip to Hawaii that he took with his entire family to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 2006.
Willy and Judith always had an open door to friends and family who wanted to come visit and he would spend hours talking about current and past events, sharing his deep love of knowledge with anyone who wanted to listen. Willy loved to cook and always made room at the dinner table if his kids or grandkids showed up to eat. He loved books and crossword puzzles, anything that challenged his mind and allowed him to continue learning even until his final days.
In the last few years, Willy got immense enjoyment from spending time with his great grandkids. He was so proud that he had the opportunity to meet and spend time with all of his great-grandchildren. Willy was a stoic, honest, trustworthy man who lived a life of integrity and truth, and he will be deeply missed by all those who had the opportunity to meet him. A special thank you to Lothar and Bianca who lovingly advocated and cared for Willy until the end and enabled him to live his final days at home. Also, many thanks to Dr. Rosenberg, his team and the VIHA staff who cared for Willy in the final years of his life.
Willy will be remembered for his ability to make anyone laugh, his loyal heart and deep dedication and love for his family. Due to current circumstances, there will only be a small family service to celebrate Willy’s life.
“I can no longer see you with my eyes or touch you with my hands, but I will feel you in my heart forever.”
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Lothar, Bianca and family : we are so very, very sorry to learn of your loss. Hang on tight to the wonderful memories.
Hugs Al and Teresa Moir
Lothar, Bianca and family!
I am so so saddened on the families loss! Your parents were dear family friends and their passing is a loss to the community. Your father was the definition of goodness, honesty and joviality. He had a laugh that welcomed everyone and a presence that made you feel comfortable. On behalf of my Mother ,and our family our heartfelt condolences.
Robert, “Tante” Anni & familie
Lothar, Bianca and family,
Very saddened to hear of your Father’s (Opa’s / Great Opa’s) passing. Our family holds many wonderful memories over many years. Your father had a way of making every conversation fun. He always had a smile on his face and a sparkle in his eye. I just wish we could have spent more time hearing all his incredible stories of past. Please know we are all thinking of you and sending our heartfelt condolences.
The Hohnsbehn Family
Dear Lothar, Bianca and family! Robert and I want to express our sincere condolences on the passing of your father and mother. They were both such kind people with a great joy for living.
My sincere condolences on the loss of both your mother and father. Remember all the good times and how lucky you all were to have such wonderful parents/oma/opa and great grandparents!!! Big hugs and thinking of you.
Dear Lothar, Bianca and Family, we are so very sorry to hear about the loss of your Father and your Mother. We will raise a glass in their honour! Big hugs and much love!
To the Christians family,
Our sincere condolences to you all on the loss of your father, mother, Oma, and Opa.
We have many fond memories of both of them. Our thoughts are with you all.
Lothar, you and your family were so lucky to have such a wonderful bond with your dad. He sounds like a prince of a man. It is always those understated people, that go quietly about their business that can teach us the most about love and humility. You will always carry him in your heart.
To the Christians family, Sincere condolences to you all on the loss of your father, grandfather and great grandfather. May his memory live on in all your lives forever.