It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Robert Waldemar Pohl. Robert passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, surrounded by family, at the age of 91 years.

Born on April 8, 1933, on the family farm in Leduc, AB. Robert was the son of Adolph and Olga Pohl (nee Fenske). His parents moved to the Leduc farm in 1926, and Robert grew up alongside his 16 siblings in a large, hardworking family. In 1947, the family moved to Ponoka, AB, where they took on a larger farm, and it was here that Robert’s work ethic and love for the land continued to flourish.

At 18, Robert began working seasonally off the farm, beginning with the rigs of Alberta. Throughout his life, he wore many hats - as a heavy machinery operator, sawmill worker, tree faller, mechanic, miner, and water hauler. His rugged resilience and hard work ethic was an inspiration and had a lasting impact on all those who worked with him.

On August 24, 1963, Robert married the love of his life, Jean (Barendina) Vanden Brink. Together, they began their family in Ponoka, welcoming three children before a work opportunity moved them to Chetwynd, B.C., in 1969. There, they embraced an adventurous life on a remote ranch in the Del Rio area, where the challenges of isolation required Jean to be flown to a larger center for the delivery of their fourth child.

Soon after, they were able to purchase land and build a homesite, where Robert meticulously cleared, seeded, and harvested the land. He took immense pride in this accomplishment. In 1986, they moved into the town of Chetwynd, and continued to be deeply involved in the community, supporting the church, fostering children, and working at the local ski hill. Robert retired from full-time work in 1986. Robert and Jean moved to Dawson Creek, B.C., and travelled extensively, often venturing to northern, remote areas to visit friends and family.

In 2001, they fully retired, settling on Vancouver Island. Here they enjoyed over a decade of adventures together there before returning to the Peace Country in 2014 to be closer to their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Robert remained active well into his later years, exploring new paths and neighborhoods by bike until age 88, when he switched to a three-wheeled scooter. After Jean’s passing in 2021, Robert was welcomed into the loving home of his daughter Bernice and her husband Robin, where he enjoyed delicious meals, family visits, Bible reading, and a supportive church community. In August of this year, he proudly upgraded to a 2024 hot red version of his scooter; a symbol of his enduring independence and zest for life.

Robert was a man of deep Chrisitan faith, and his strong belief in God guided him throughout his life. He leaned on his faith during both the challenges and the joys, and he instilled this devotion in his family. His love for scripture and fellowship with his church community were foundational parts of his life.

Robert leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, hard work, and resilience. He will be remembered by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many friends. His warmth, gentleness, and unwavering faith left an indelible mark on all who knew him. We take comfort in knowing he is reunited with Jean, and that his spirit lives on in the memories, stories, and faith he shared with us.

Robert is survived by his children: Yvonne (Brian) McAllister, Bernice (Robin) Shoemaker, Bob (Wendy) Pohl, James (Leanne) Pohl; 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; siblings: Selma Kalis, Ida Schelert, Daniel Pohl, Dennis (Carolyn) Pohl, David (Kathy) Pohl, and John (Ruth) Pohl.

Robert was predeceased by six brothers: Ed, Willie, Herman, Henry, Walter, and Paul; as well as four sisters: Freida, Elsie, Doreen, and Florence.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Pastor Nathan Zekveld at Christ Covenant Church, the staff at Health Hub Pharmacy, and Brenda Pelland-McIntosh with Life & HEALthcare Consulting for their special care and compassion.