On Tuesday December 20th, Hans Karow passed away peacefully at the age of 75 in the Penticton Regional Hospital.

Hans was best known as the tall German farmer of Karow Farms, on Road 15 in Oliver BC. He had great pride in his farm and worked hard to make it successful both on the field and in the packing house. His love for farming didn’t stop after he sold Karow Farms in 2004. Hans had ventures in planting vineyards, constructing huge family gardens, and growing his famous Romanian Red garlic. Most of the produce would go lovingly to friends and family; he never expected payment for anything he grew of volunteered for, and it brought him great joy to share his garden bounty or knowledge. Even in his last days he felt it important to deliver garlic to friends that had helped him in one way or another.

Hans was also well known for his local activism in anything that involved EMF’s, cell towers, power lines or smart meters. When he wasn’t in the garden, he would spend countless hours gathering information and helping communities prevent something he felt strongly was dangerous to the health of others. He would attend public hearings, attend rallies, and write editorials to the local newspaper expressing his concern. Most recently, he also took up activism against the proposed development above Naramata Bench. Pictures showed him standing proudly beside his hand made signs that draped across supporters’ fenced and buildings.

He is survived by his wife, Margret, his daughters Lara (Derek) and Sarina (Alan), and his 4 grandchildren Kira, Taylor, Roman and Niko. At Hans’ request, there will be no service. Instead we ask that everyone who knew him well cherish memories of his hard work ethic, concerns for the world, subtle humour, and passions that he proudly displayed or voiced in the Okanagan.