June 21, 1936 - February 19, 2022
In Loving Memory ~
Knud Alfred Thomsen crossed over at the age of 85 with his loving wife Marianne and family by his side at Shuswap Lake General Hospital in Salmon Arm, B.C. on February 19, 2022.
Knud, known as Bedstefar or "Far Far" to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, was a true gentleman in every sense of the word and was adored by many for his kind spirit, humble charm, playful nature, and joy for life.
Knud was born on June 21, 1936 in Hals, Denmark and is predeceased by his parents Andres and Karen Thomsen and siblings Nutte and Borge Thomsen.
He is survived by his siblings - Hanna Sorrensen, Emmy Malmgren and Rigmor Jensen - and their spouses, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
A bricklayer by trade, Knud joined the Royal Danish Army in 1955 and was assigned to the Danish Artillery Regiment before serving in Gaza for a United Nations' peacekeeping mission in 1958 and 1959.
In 1964, Knud immigrated to Canada and homesteaded in Donald outside of Golden where he started a small independent sawmill. It was in 1977 that he would make Sicamous his home, acquiring a small houseboat company called Twin Anchors which has remained family-owned for 45 years.
It was here at Twin Anchors that Knud would meet the love of his life, Marianne, and the two married on Valentine's Day in 1986. Knud and Marianne shared many adventures and met many dear friends wintering in Indio, California and traveling the world together. In their 36 years of marriage, Knud and Marianne would visit Denmark 23 times to visit his family with plans for another trip this Fall.
Knud is unconditionally loved and survived by his wife Marianne Thomsen, his five children and their spouses - Mike Kyllo (Kim), Scott Kyllo, Todd Kyllo (Jolayna), Greg Kyllo (Georgina), and Janice Bridle (Bart) - and 15 adoring grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren who all knew him as their one and only Bedstefar.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Knud in early summer.
Knud will be missed, but never forgotten for the legendary man he was. You were our Bedstefar, you were the best by far.
Skål.