Harry Kooznetsoff
Harry was born on Sept 19, 1953 to Fred and Helen Kooznetsoff of Glade. He was the youngest of 4 children and was a dependable brother to Tina, Fred and George. At a young age he began displaying his athletic abilities, played on many sports teams and excelled at throwing the javelin which won him numerous trophies and medals, such as becoming Canada’s champion Juvenile javelin thrower in 1971.
Harry’s success with the javelin allowed him to go Washington State University on an athletic scholarship where he enjoyed great success. He was training with the Canadian Olympic Team preparing for the Montreal Olympics when an injury ended his athletic career.
After graduating from Washington State University in 1977, Harry took a position teaching Physical Education in Lillooet. He shared many adventures with his sports teams, driving them to tournaments in a short school bus on the torturous road of the Cariboo.
Harry met Teresa Vink in Lillooet, married in 1981 and settled in Shoreacres where they were blessed with a son, Mark. He was a respected teacher in the local school districts until his untimely death. Harry was an active community member in Shoreacres, as well as a member of the Jehovah Witness congregation in Crescent Valley.
Harry passed away suddenly on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at his home in Shoreacres. He is survived by his son, Mark; sister, Tina; brothers, Fred (Eileen); George (Susan), former wife, Teresa Higgins, nieces, nephews and many cousins. He will be missed for his heart warming smile. Funeral services were held in the Castlegar Funeral Chapel on Wednesday June 17, 2009 followed by interment at Shoreacres cemetery with a buffet luncheon following at the Shoreacres hall.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Castlegar Funeral Chapel, the grave diggers, the singers, and all those who attended the funeral, brought food, sent condolences and cards. Thank you for all your support and prayers during this time.
Kooznetsoff family