In loving memory ~
Paul O. Holitzki of Nelson, B.C. passed away May 6, 2025. Paul was born in Kelowna, B.C. August 30, 1933 to Frank and
Mary Holitzki. An active youth, Paul played a number of sports and loved the outdoors. He began his career with the BC Forest Service in Kelowna 1956, a job that would take him to a number of areas in the interior.
He married the love of his life, Vera Abetkoff in 1957 and they began to build a family while living in 100 Mile, Kamloops,
Surrey, Chase, Ashcroft, Williams Lake and Likely B.C. They settled in Nelson in 1975. Paul retired from the Nelson Forest
Region in 1988 after 32 years of service with the Forest Service.
Paul remained active in music, sports and his community. An accomplished fiddle player, Paul played in bands wherever he lived. He enjoyed fastball, hockey, curling, bowling and fishing. He was an active member of the Lions Club and Knights of Columbus while coaching minor baseball and assisting Cub Scouts. Paul is pre-deceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife Vera, daughter Janice (Kevin) Melanson of Nelson, B.C., son Jeff Holitzki of Grand Forks, B.C., daughter Valerie
(Steve) Spence of Calgary, Alberta and son Russell (Deanna) Holitzki of Nelson, B.C. He is also survived by grandchildren Brendan (Lauren) Melanson, Jordan (Natalija) Melanson, Mitchell Melanson, Hannah Holitzki, Isaac Holitzki, Erin Spence, Christian Spence, Matthew Holitzki and Madeline Holitzki. Paul was great grandfather to six: Eli, Adelaide, Oliver, Grace,
Lucy and Heidi.
A funeral Mass will be held at the Cathedral of Mary Immaculate Catholic church, Nelson, B.C. at 1:00 p.m., on Friday May 23, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Joseph's School, Nelson, B.C. For more information and to leave a message of condolence, please see the Thompson Funeral Service website at https://www.thompsonfs.ca
Service Details
1:00 PM