With his loving wife by his side, Paul Bankonin passed away in hospital on Friday, February 4, 2022 at the age of 85. Beloved husband of Frieda (nee Kerber). Loving father of Trudy (Rob), Harvey (Kristi) and Chris (Sue). Opa of Sierra, Cruz, Braden, Cole, Alexa and Ella. Dear son of the late Waldermar and Alwine, and brother to the Alex (late Marga), late Ida and late Olga (late Helmut).
Paul Bankonin was born July 15, 1936 in Goroschki, Ukraine. He was the third of four children born to Alwine and Waldermar. During the Second World War, his father was lost and assumed dead. After the war, his mother and four children fled the Ukraine to Poland, and then to East Germany. Three years later under great danger, they made their way to West Germany.
The family immigrated to Lethbridge, Alberta in 1953, and worked in the sugar beet fields. They joined a strong community at Bethany Baptist Church. While many of his family later moved to Edmonton, Paul remained in Lethbridge.
Paul met the love of his life, Frieda Kerber, in Edmonton and after a short engagement, they were married February 18,1967. While living in Lethbridge, Paul and Frieda’s family expanded with the births of their three children. Paul worked as a brick layer and stone mason. He loved sharing experiences with Frieda and their children. Summers were spent fishing at Duck Lake in Montana, while winters involved trips skiing in the mountains, swimming at Radium Hot Springs and occasional trips to Waikiki, Hawaii.
In 1990, they moved to Victoria BC, and joined the community at Central Baptist Church, where they remain members to this day. Paul and Frieda enjoyed entertaining at their house and working in their garden. Paul’s love of travel and adventure continued with trips to Israel, Germany, China and many extended family trips to Mexico.
A Memorial Service will be held in the sanctuary at Central Baptist Church, 833 Pandora Ave, Victoria, BC on Saturday, February 12th at 1 pm. Friends are invited to join in person. The service will also be available to be viewed via livestream at youtu.be/-BBeBPl3RNU
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to Geordon and Marilyn Rendle at Youth For Christ: yfc.ca/donate/. From the drop down menus select:
“Ministry of a Staff Member”
“Geordon and Marilyn Rendle”
You may dedicate your gift in the memory of Paul Bankonin.
Condolences may be left below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Paul Bankonin July 15 1936 February 4 2022..
mccall gardens funeral and cremation service
Death notice for the town of: Victoria, Province: Colombie britanique