Danny Pochay 1938 – 2020

It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Danny Pochay at home with family on January 6^th. Danny finally succumbed to cancer after a long battle. Born in Pamore, Ontario on May 26, 1938 he was the youngest son of Nick & Joyce Pochay who moved to British Columbia in 1946.

Danny loved the natural environment; he hiked, fished, hunted, and explored every opportunity he could. Engaging with nature was truly Danny’s passion! He loved snowmobiling and riding his ATV to most lakes & mountains in the surrounding Kamloops area. His infectious enthusiasm got the family outside sledding down snow covered hills, enjoying campfires and pursuing fish.  He spent years creating new trails in the Tranquille & Porcupine Meadows regions and subsequently grooming and maintaining those trails including those for the Kamloops Snowmobiling Club. Danny and friends were among the first to explore the wilds of Crowfoot Mountain in the North Shuswap on their snowmobiles. He mentored many novice riders and thus formed several significant friendships.

Danny played hockey, was a volunteer fire fighter, participated with search and rescue and in recent years taught young children how to skate. He had astonishing patience and was presented with an award for his successes with little people. He volunteered for the Valleyview Figure Skating Club and was instrumental in designing and fabricating a Judges Stand for competitions.

He spent over 30 years recreating and relaxing with friends on Shuswap Lake at the comfortable cabin he built. Always the quintessential explorer Danny and Ev sold the cabin in 2004 in order to travel. They journeyed across the country to the Maritimes, and then north spending a summer in the Yukon & Alaska. Another winter was spent enjoying the desert sun in Arizona but ironically Danny missed snowmobiling.

Danny worked as an Electrician; he spent ten years wiring houses with his father before starting work for the Government in 1968, initially at Tranquille and then for the British Columbia Building Corporation. Danny had an exemplary work ethic and uncanny ability to fix anything. He installed and repaired everything electrical from high voltage transformers, industrial laundry machines, heating and cooling systems, and electronic circuits. Dan was the master problem solver and when a problem was encountered that stumped most he was the person called upon to repair it. He retired from Government in 2000 but worked part time a few more years for Aspen Electric.

Danny is survived by his loving wife Evelyn of 62 years, his children Tim (Carolyn) Kevin, Michele (Terry) Christy and eight grandchildren; as well as his brother Barry, (Jesse) sisters Patricia & Dolly. Sister-in-laws Colleen (Ron), Linda (Roy) and three best friends including Bryan White, Ted Piper & Reid English who embraced friendship for 65 years.

Thank you for being a wonderful, husband, father and grandfather.

Until we meet again, we love you and will miss you.

Due to Covid, a celebration of life will take place when restrictions allow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cancer Society.

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