Obituary of John Charles "Charlie" Pocha

1936 - 2021

 

Mr. John Charles “Charlie” Pocha of Cranbrook, B.C, passed away peacefully at East Kootenay Regional Hospital on Sunday, December 12, 2021, at the age of 85 years. 

Charlie was born July 20, 1936, on the farm, near Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, where he was raised.  Charlie moved to Cranbrook in 1956 and worked on the Moyie highway, and then for Jim Kennelly in the logging industry. Charlie returned to Saskatchewan where he married Lila on May 24, 1958. They welcomed daughters, Marilyn, and Janet, and then in 1959 they moved to Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, and welcomed son, Derl.  In 1965, the family moved back to Cranbrook and Charlie worked as a faller for Crowsnest Industries for five years, and then for Blackie Pommier, and then Galloway Lumber Company.  In 1972, they moved to Terrace, B.C., and Charlie worked as a faller for MacMillan Bloedel and back to Cranbrook for Wes Gerlach.  In the Spring of 1974, he worked as faller for Galloway Lumber, and in 1975, began Tamerac Contractors Ltd with his brother, Joe Pocha for two years. Charlie went on to operate Tamerac Contractors on his own for 15 years. During these years, he enjoyed participating in many loggers sports, stock car racing, and the Backcountry Horseman Association. When he retired and finally sold his D6 Cat, he enjoyed many outdoor activities camping and hunting with family and friends.  During his later years he travelled to Texas and Arizona to enjoy the easy life. When his health began to fail, they travelled closer to home throughout B.C, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. 

Charlie is survived by his loving family, wife, Lila (Wall) of 63 years; three children, Marilyn Moulton (Tim), Janet Neufeld (George) and Derl Pocha (Brenda), and five grandchildren: Tyrell Moulton (Jennifer), Ryan Pocha (Stacey), Amanda Moulton, Katelyn Pocha (Felix), and Kyle Pocha (Candace) and six great grandchildren: Ashton, Avery, Elizabeth, Brooklyn, Rocky, and Caleb; three brothers: Gilbert Pocha (Diane), Reg Pocha (Patty) and Earl Pocha (Laura); and three sisters: Mariam Wall (Raymond), Marlene Kiteley, Marjory Clancy; numerous nieces and nephews and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Alfred and Wilna Pocha; five brothers: Alfred, Archie, Joseph, Ken, Lionel Pocha and infant son; four sisters: Kathleen, Doreen, Dorothy and Margaret. 

Respectful of Charlie's request, there will be no funeral service. 

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com