Juergen Poenitz of Langley, B.C., passed away peacefully on November 1st, 2025 after battling illness.
Born in what used to be East Germany, Juergen grew up with a remarkable passion and talent for soccer, ultimately earning an invitation to try out for a German Bundesliga team. But his courage took him down another path. Choosing freedom and the hope of a better future, Juergen made the brave decision to escape East Germany for the West—an act of determination that would shape the rest of his life.
In 1965, Juergen married his beloved wife, Ingrid, and together they immigrated to Canada. With resilience, vision, and a deep partnership, they built several successful businesses and created a meaningful life in their new country.
Juergen continued to play soccer in Canada, and then in the latter part of his life, discovered a love for golf. He formed wonderful friends who shared many games, laughter-filled days, and memorable golf trips and soccer tournaments together. Those friendships brought him great joy and companionship.
Juergen was predeceased by his wife Ingrid, who passed away in 2012.
Juergen is survived by his daughter, Kimberly (Kim), her husband, Darren, and his grandsons, Nic (Nicolas) and Nathan.
He will also be lovingly remembered by his partner, Cheryl Fisher.
A private memorial service will be held for family to honor Juergen’s life, share memories, and celebrate the legacy he leaves behind.
November 22nd, 2025
I’ve spent the last three weeks trying to find the words to properly encapsulate everything; Everything that comes to mind when I think of you Opa. Every memory. Every moment we shared together. Every lesson you taught me. That being said, one word that comes to mind is grateful. Forever grateful for the sacrifice you made to escape East Germany to give yourself and your family a better life. Forever grateful for the strength and courage you maintained while surviving and beating cancer in your sixties. Forever grateful for being such a hard-working role model in my life, showing me what it takes to be successful in life as a result of a consistent, never give up work ethic. Forever grateful for always staying true to yourself throughout all the ups and downs in life.
We only got to play one round of golf together (partially because you didn’t want to be out-driven by your own grandson, which I understand is hard for a prideful man like yourself to accept), however it will easily be one of the best rounds of my life, because it was just you, me and my dad. It was as perfect a round as it could get (just missing my Grandad)!
I love you so much Opa, I know you’re at peace now, hopefully on the soccer pitch starting fights, or on the golf course hitting every fairway like I know you love to do. Until we meet again. Your grandson, Nicolas.
November 22nd, 2025
Yes my friend we had lots of fun at work and in our golf!!...miss u !
..
November 21st, 2025
Dad.....I love you and will miss you so. ❤️
You taught me a lot of things....most important, you taught me to be a strong woman....I will make you proud!
I know Mom was the first in line to greet you.... with open arms... she never stopped loving you Dad, never..... ❤️ ... and I know you never stopped loving her either..... together again into eternity... till we all one day meet again.... ❤️ 😍 💖
November 18th, 2025
My dear Juergen, you will be so missed.
You were such a good friend and never stopped making us laugh.
You are in a place of rest and love after a tough few years, which is well deserved.
We will miss you my friend.
Maybe you will meet Andreas Grandmother up there?? lol
Rest in Peace, you deserve it
Love you Brian and Brenda xo
November 17th, 2025
My sincere condolences Kim, Darren, Nic and Nathan. Sending you love and warm hugs, always and especially during this time.I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad. I know how much he loved your mom, from the beautiful notes he wrote and how their bond continued to live in his heart even as life took different turns. I hope you can find comfort in knowing they are together again, and that their love surrounds you always. I’m here for you in whatever way you need.
Love always and forever,
Corrine, Shayne and Ava
Post a Tribute
Please Note: Your tribute will NOT be posted until reviewed and approved by one of our staff.