March 30, 1942 - December 30, 2018
On Sunday, December 30th, 2018, Wilfried (Wilf) Uhlenbrock, treasured brother, uncle and friend to many, passed away at the age of 76. Wilf was born on March 30, 1942 in Essen, Germany. He trained as a chef in Germany, France and England, immigrating to Canada in 1970's where he worked in that profession, mastering the art of cooking for crews in large camps into the late 1980's. He settled in Abbotsford in 1982, following a wide range of other interests; bridge club, animal husbandry, small scale horticulture and breeding show budgies among them.
He was naturally curious, a great reader, life-long learner with a degree in French, and very adept at connecting with new friends from a variety of backgrounds. He embraced friends as family, staying connected over decades, and becoming an "Uncle", "Grandpa" and "Great Grandpa" to their children. He loved to cook for friends and had a precise memory for meals and menus! During the last few years of his life he faced health issues that he took in stride with his wonderfully unique sense of humour, even including his dialysis nurses in the circle of those he loved to bake for!
Wilf was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his sister Margret Groeger (Hans) and their daughter and son, and is remembered fondly by many friends and colleagues.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 26th, 2019 at 1:00 pm at the Abbotsford Social Activity Association Hall, 33889 Essendene Ave., Abbotsford. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kidney Foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation are appreciated.