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Happy 102 to Penticton’s Henry Kriwokon

The WW2 veteran was one of the soldiers in the famous ‘Wait for me Daddy’ photo
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From left to right, Sergeant Dwayne Snow, Major (Ret.) David Snyder, Corporal (Ret.) Henry Kriwokon, and Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Virk. (Submitted)

At 102, Henry Kriwokon is amazing; he lives on his own, healthy, happy with all three COVID-19 shots.

After forty years living and working in the Hope area, he tried other retirement towns in B.C. and Arizona but decided they were not ‘a place to live forever,’ as Peach City was. Here in the South Okanagan, he refined his hobby of creating DVDs, filming and dubbing in the music.

Henry created thousands giving away hundreds to family, friends and new neighbours. An Orchard Avenue resident for over 20 years, Henry is surrounded by good neighbors especially his pal Mike who chauffeurs him around the South Okanagan when weather permits, In the summer Henry is mobile on his electric powered-chair scooter.

On Feb. 24, members of the British Columbia Regiment, Duke of Connaught’s Own, were honored to celebrate Henry’s birthday. Henry served as a corporal with the British Columbia Regiment during Second World War. He was presented with a commemorative Regimental coin and a birthday card signed by the members of his regiment. The card and coin were presented by the Commanding Officer of the BC Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Virk and Sergeant Dwayne Snow.

Henry served in three Canadian Army units during the Second World War: the British Columbia Regiment, R.C. Ordnance Corps and REME, serving in Canada and Britain. Henry was a Trooper with the BCR’s when the iconic photo, “Wait for me Daddy” made national headlines. He is the 22nd soldier in that famous photo.

READ MORE: Turning 101, Penticton veteran looks back on life

Memorized in stamp and coin, Penticton’s Henry Kriwokon was an Honoured VIP at the unveiling in October 2014 of that impressive statue dedicated in honour of those in the photo in the Lower Mainland.

The celebration was arranged by Major (Ret.) David Snyder and was held at Penticton’s Polish Bistro. In honour of the occasion, Walter and Alicja Hrynkiewicz, owners of the Polish Bistro and proud supporters of Penticton’s veterans, and their patrons sang Henry “Happy Birthday” and thanked him for his service.