It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Dad, Harry Kristoffersen, on April
4th, 2025 at the age of 92.
Harry was born in Oslo, Norway August 3, 1932. He immigrated to Canada in 1957 arriving in Vancouver, BC to live with his Uncle Ivar Kristoffersen . Once established he brought his young family over from Norway and moved to Williams Lake in 1960. There was lots of construction work to be had and Harry was a carpenter by trade and had no trouble finding employment. He worked originally for Carlson Construction. He helped build the Nurse's Residence, Golf Course, Hockey Arena and Curling Rink. Many homes built in Williams Lake have Harry's carpentry handiwork.
Dad loved everything the Cariboo had to offer. He enjoyed the hunting, fishing, camping with the family, curling , bowling and golfing. It was a good life. We were lucky enough as a family to travel back to his home country of Norway to visit and meet all our relatives.
Dad's passion was playing his accordian! He was very skilled at it and it brought him so much enjoyment throughout his life. As kids we have fond memories of him wandering throughout the house playing his accordian. He loved music and played right up until the end.
Dad's other passion was cabinet making. He would go to his friend Harry Helenius's place as he had a work shop. He would crank up the cassette player with his accordian tunes and start working with the wood. He was in his "happy zone"! Many wonderful cabinets and furniture came out of that shop.
Dad was a very proud Lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion 139 in Williams Lake. He and his late partner Patricia Brown made many friends there and never missed a meat draw night! Dad was an Allied Veteran of the Second World War and on Remembrance Day he was always asked to lay the wreath on their behalf. It was a great honour for him.
Dad had many stories of the wonderful adventures in his life. Many from his childhood growing up on a small farm; being a great ski jumper and others from Army days stationed in different countries( from being on an Ice-breaker ship in the North Sea to staying with Laplanders and their reindeer in the North). He always said he should have written a book!
Harry will be missed by his children, Torill D'Andrea, Vivian(Dan)Simmons, Ann(Colin) Smith, Terje (Brenda) Kristoffersen and many grandchildren and great granchildren. He leaves to mourn many cousins, nieces and nephews in Norway and will be missed by the late Patricia Brown's family and many friends.
We would like to send out big thanks to the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program and their handlers, Karen (Maya & Sophie), Diane (Arthur), Colleen (Tuck) and Debbie (Keeper). Dad so enjoyed and looked forward to your visits. You made his days!The family would like to express gratitude and thanks to all the Staff at Age Care Cariboo, 2nd Floor (Nurses, Care Aides) for their kindness, compassion and wonderful care of our Dad.
At Dad's request, there will be no service. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.