Obituary of Donald Clarence Kepke

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend Donald (Don) Clarence Kepke, on April 18, 2023, surrounded by family in Creston, BC, at the age of 82 years.

Don was born on April 4, 1941, in Holmes Crossing, AB to parents Edward and Pearl Kepke. Don and his family moved to Creston BC in 1945, and shortly after his father passed away from ALS when Don was 11 years old. At the age of 15 Don went to Alberta to work on his uncle’s farm and support his mother. Don moved back to Creston at the age of 18 where he worked for Habart Construction and John Lankar, building houses. At the age of 19 Don followed a young lady, Mil, to Parson BC, they soon married on September 14, 1961, starting the love story of a lifetime. They moved back to Creston shortly after and started their family. Having daughter Carol, son Ron, Donny, and Randy, and the family continued to grow with 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Don worked for Huscroft Sawmill with his brother George until they both followed their dreams of being farmers. Don bought his farm in 1972, started milking in 1975 and continued for 26 years, with his boys working along side him. Don took great pride in caring for his animals, his land and his family. He retired from dairy farming in 2000 but not from work. Don raised beef cows, sold hay, and then started growing garlic. Don, his sons Ron, Donny, Randy, and son-in-law Ed started River View Farms and quickly became the largest organic garlic growers in BC. Don worked hard his entire life but did find the time to have fun as well. Don and Mil loved travelling, some of their first adventures were exploring Canada and they always took the grandchildren with them. Don and Mil became snowbirds in 1999 traveling to Yuma Arizona every winter where they enjoyed the sun, golfing, and happy hour with all their friends. Family was everything to Don, he put a lot of time and effort into making sure his children and grandchildren new the meaning of unconditional love. His presence in our lives was a source of strength and comfort, he has left us with so many wonderful memories that will never be forgotten and he will be missed by all that knew him.

Don will be lovingly remembered by his wife Mil Kepke, daughter Carol (Ed), sons Ron (Shelley), Don (Kristina), and Randy (Deanna). Grandchildren Cara (Dale), Richelle (Charles), Nicki (Mike), Lisa (Dave), Jay (Vanessa), Tim (Mikayla), Kimberly, Riley, and Hailey. Great grandchildren Ty, Brayden, Josh, Madison, Axson, Tavyn, Aveya, Payton, Koven, Brynlee, Gage, and Odin. Sister Thelma Aldrich, brother- in-law Geordie Phypers, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Don was predeceased by his father and mother, Edward and Pearl, brothers Joe, Dennis, and George, sister Jean, sister-in-law Margy, and brother-in-law Garth.

A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday April 26, 2023, at the Creston Baptist Church, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Matt Honig officiating. Burial to follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Erickson, BC.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to the BC Cancer Agency, 399 Royal Ave., Kelowna, BC V1Y 5L3.