Francois Fernand Linden
Died peacefully, holding the hands of his wife and eldest son, in the early hours of June 23, 2012. Francois was 81 years old. He is survived by his beloved family: his wife of 50 years, Irene Linden (nee Purvis); sons, Paul Linden (Shannon) of Kelowna and Alan Linden (Christine) of Regina; daughters Michelle Linden (Paul) of Victoria and Cathy Linden (Andre) of Edmonton; four grandchildren; Nicolas and Tayanna, Alexandra, and Dryden; and his sister, Annie Jacoby-Linden (Edmond) of Luxembourg. He was predeceased by his parents Josephine Marie Anne and Nicolas and brothers, Henri and Edward, all of Luxembourg; and his sweet son, two-day old Edward.
Francois was born and raised in Reuland, Luxembourg. He worked as an interpreter and served with that country’s military police before venturing to Canada in his early 20’s. After disembarking in Halifax, Francois made his way to his uncle’s home in Salmon Arm, BC. A few years later, he followed the family to Nelson, BC. Maybe it was the majestic Kootenay Mountains and the promising forests nestled in their valleys—or maybe it was the beautiful young nurse working at the Kootenay Lake Hospital—but Francois was smitten. After marrying Irene in 1962, the couple moved to the tiny town of Trout Lake, BC, where Francois proudly operated his own logging company for more than 30 years. Over time he purchased several hundred acres. Skillfully and with respect for the environment and its habitat, he logged his own land.
Francois loved to sing and play the accordion, tell tales of his youth, read an array of literature, and watch his re-runs of his favourite program, M*A*S*H. His sparkling blue eyes and warm smile gave away his kind and deeply generous heart. With a soft spot for children and animals, he lovingly raised his family and innumerable cats and dogs. His final year was spent happily in Okanagan Center, spending time with family and walking his dog and cat along the scenic trails.
He will be remembered for his sentimental soul, his love of the land—especially Trout Lake—and his tremendous hotcakes.
The family would like to extend their heart-felt thanks for the special care Francois received in the KGH Emergency Department and the Intensive Care and Cardiac Care Units.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 29th, 2012 at 1:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, Cardiac Care Unit. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250 860-7077.