DONALD KOCH

1950 ~ 2012

With heavy hearts the family of Donald Koch, beloved husband of Mrs. Ingrid Koch, announce his passing while in the comfort of his home and in the presence of family on Friday, November 2, 2012, at the age of 61 years.  Don was born November 10, 1950 in Maple Creek, a son to proud parents, George and  Lona Koch.  He was raised on the family farm near Fox Valley and learned the value of a hard days work.   In 1967, the family moved to Medicine Hat, however, he continued to help out on the farm when needed.  He attended McCoy High School and graduated in 1969.   Don met his future wife, Ingrid and were married at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on October 7, 1977 and recently celebrated their 35th Anniversary.  Their marriage was blessed with the birth of two children, Cameron and Julie.  Growing up on the farm gave Don natural skills with his hands like fixing and building things.  He became a journeyman carpenter and could often be found tinkering in his shop.  For many years he was employed at the base in Suffield in the Structural Services department as a carpenter.  He enjoyed the simple things in life like socializing with friends and family, gardening, fishing, camping, watching TV (especially National Geographic and old Western movies) travelling, and hitting the open road on his motorbike.  He also had a soft spot for animals and loved spending time with his faithful pet companions, “Bindi”, “Gracie” and “Harley”.    Don was a genuine man who loved and cared deeply for his family.  He was proud of his children and beamed with pride when his grandson, Jordan was born… he was the apple of his eye!  When Ingrid opened Cactus Communications, he was right there at her side and helped however he could.  He was so proud to see the business grow and succeed.   Don was well liked and respected by his family, friends and all who knew him.  His memory will be cherished in the hearts of his wife, Ingrid;  mother, Lona Koch;  children, Cameron Koch and his son (Jordan);  daughter, Julie Koch;  sisters, Jeanette (Bill) Martin and Beverley (Larry) Schiebelbein;  brother, Perry (Noreen) Koch;  brothers-in-law, Pete (Lois) Falkenberg and Art (Margaret) Falkenberg and all their families as well as his mother-in-law, Martha Falkenberg, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his father, George Koch;  sister, Lorraine in infancy and his father-in-law, Alfred Falkenberg.  Relatives and friends are invited for Prayers at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, at 7:30 P.M.  The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 238 – 2 Avenue N.E., Medicine Hat , on Wednesday, November 7, 2012, at 10:30 A.M. with the Very Reverend Father Long Vu celebrant.  Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery.  If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Don’s name may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 102 Crestwood Square One, 1865 Dunmore Road S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1Z8 or to the Crohns and Colitis Foundation, P.O. Box 481, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1G2.   (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com)  Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W.   Medicine Hat, Alberta   T1A 4V4  Phone 403-527-6455