It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Wilfried Kuipery after a long struggle with a neck injury.
Wilfried was born in Mülheim, Germany, on January 20, 1949. His father moved the family to East Germany, where Wilfried spent the greater part of his childhood and adolescence.
At the age of 20, he took his life into his own hands and successfully escaped from the eastern block to the west. Once settled in Bochum, Germany, Wilfried commenced his university studies in sociology and he began to travel the world.
In 1977, he met Sharon in Bangkok. They married in Germany in 1979 and shared an adventurous 47 years together. They both loved moving around the world.
Upon settling in Vancouver, Wilfried attended the University of British Columbia to pursue graduate studies, and he completed secondary school teaching certification. It was there, in 1983, that they welcomed their only child, Tatyana (Tanya).
After working in Vancouver, Yellowknife and Saskatoon, they moved to Salt Spring Island, where they happily settled in for some time. In 1994, in pursuit of work, they uprooted and moved to Powell River, where they found a very welcoming community. In 1999 they pursued opportunities in Korea, Oregon and Victoria, After many adventures, Wilfried and Sharon returned to Powell River and settled in.
Wilfried had many gifts and talents. He loved playing and writing music, carving, woodworking, cooking, photography, and he had an incredible athletic ability.
In his younger years he was a competitive boxer. He ran regularly from the age of 12 until the last month of his life. His most memorable time was spent in Nepal and at Mt. Everest. He loved mountain climbing: Mt. Blanc, Mt. Rainier, Cotopaxi and many other peaks. Yet he was a man of constant sorrows.
Wilfried is survived by his wife Sharon, his daughter Tatyana (Tanya), whom he loved beyond measure, his friend Wendy, his two sisters and nieces and nephews in Germany.
Thank you to Dr. White for his continued support over the years.
We will miss your big energy and your kind heart, Wilfried!
