Obituary of Konrad Wanko

Konrad Wanko of Surrey, BC Canada passed away peacefully on July 6th 2016. He was predeceased by his sister Anna and parents Konrad Sr. and Anna Mueller in Germany. Konrad is survived by his wife Mercedes, daughter Elizabeth and her husband Ingo, son Mark, also son Kurt and his wife Gloria and Konrad's grandson Luke. He was born Sep. 13, 1933 in Znaim, Austria. He spent his early childhood on his family's farm in Neu Schallersdorf, a few km south of Znaim. The Second World War was a major factor in the family's relocation to Germany. He learned his trade as a Tool and Die Maker and decided afterward to emigrate to Canada and seek new opportunities in the new world. Working his way across the country, he modified his highly technical craft and became an expert pipefitter joining the local Union 170 and rising steadily within the ranks. He enjoyed the rugged outdoors of the Canadian wilderness, hiking, biking and applying himself at many sport activities. In the beginning of 1967 he decided to take a well-deserved vacation driving down to Mexico in his brand new Mercury Cougar muscle car. It was on this adventurous road trip that he met Mercedes Ramos on the beaches of Acapulco. Later the same year they were married in Mexico City, and they came North to Vancouver BC to begin their new life together. Mercedes and Konrad had three children, and lived in North Delta, with Konrad often travelling to major work sites such as the "Mica Creek Dam, Port Mellon and many major pulp mills and refineries in BC. He eventually achieved general foreman status and took great pride in apprenticing his men. Konrad retired as a pipefitter, and found a new project as foreman on his family's own new home construction, designing some of the mechanicals himself. Konrad had the highest work ethics and took pride in setting good examples for his children, and providing amply for his family. He was a prolific reader, and very knowledgeable of world history and politics. He also had a remarkable green thumb and loved tending his grapes and roses in his garden. We pray Konrad, that you find new gardens to tend in heaven. We love you dearly. Funeral Mass will be held at at 11:00 am, Tuesday July 12th 2016 in the chapel at Gardens of Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery located at 15800 32 Ave, in Surrey. Followed by a Celebration of Life at the home of Kurt and Gloria 14786 31A Ave Surrey.