October 4, 1948 - September 5, 2020
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we announce the death of Jos Konst. Jos Passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in Richmond BC with his Partner Mags Gingles by his side.
Jos immigrated from Holland with his parents, four sisters and two brothers to Smithers, B.C. in the early 1950's at the age of 4. Upon graduation from Smithers Senior Secondary School Jos travelled to Europe in pursuit of the best skiing.
After his travels he went to Kitimat to help his brother John in construction where he met his first love, Vera. Jos and Vera were married on August 21, 1970 and they worked hard together on building their first home and Vera worked at Alcan.
Soon after they moved back to Smithers while Jos continued in construction and their two children, Tracy and Jason were born.
Jos was eventually offered a job as Ski Hill Manager of Kitsumkalum Mountain in Terrace. Since his passion was skiing from a very young age he took the job and moved the family to Terrace. He Managed Kitsumkalum Mountain for a few years. During that time he had a strong desire to open his own business and be back in Smithers with sunnier skies.
Soon, Winterland Ski and Sport was operating in three locations in the Northwest. Over the years Jos was involved in many business ventures. He was a successful businessman and along with partners had real estate and commercial ventures in Smithers and Terrace.
While living in Smithers and operating Winterland Ski he built a home overlooking his beloved Hudson Bay Mountain. He was an active member of Rotary and loved to give back to the community and volunteer his time unselfishly.
His passion was always skiing and he wanted to leave a legacy, so he worked hard with Hudson Bay Mountain and the Town of Smithers to fulfill his life long dream to connect the Ski Area to town.
After a few struggles he succeeded and the ski trail was opened. That was one of the happiest moments of his life. It was a great success and Jos would ski the trail many times after the ski hill closed for the season. He enjoyed seeing all ages using the Trail.
In 2018 Jos moved to Penticton BC to commence Retirement life. He spent his last two years there with his new love and Partner Mags Gingles and together they enjoyed bike rides, travelling, wine tours, motorcycle trips and entertaining family and friends on their deck overlooking Skaha Lake.
Jos will be remembered as a devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Brother, Partner and Friend. He was gentle, kind and embraced life like no other. He was full of energy and loved challenges.
Jos is survived by Vera Konst of Smithers who was his wife for 47 years, his daughter Tracy Fehr - husband Dan and grandsons Justin (Nichole Wright) and Travis of Penticton, son Jason Konst of Smithers and Daughter In-Law Christine Tanner and 5 grandchildren, Sarah, Ryan, Isaac, Aianna and Aaron of Lethbridge Alberta, his sister Tina Konst of Richmond and his partner Mags Gingles of Penticton and her family from Peachland, Whistler and Terrace as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Jos will be sorely missed by his family and friends but he will always remain close to our hearts.
Donations can be made to the Heart and Stoke Foundation.
Due to COVID restrictions Jos' memorial and celebration of life will be held in the Spring at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Smithers.