Joachim (Jack) von Paczinsky

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joachim (Jack) von Paczinsky und Tenczin on October 9th, 2025, at the age of 94. Joachim was surrounded by family and passed peacefully at the Bulkley Valley District Hospital. Joachim leaves behind a loving wife Erika and two daughters, Renata von Paczinsky und Tenczin and Ulrika Herzog. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Matt, Nina, Jason, and Nicole and one great grandchild Mia. Joachim was the first born to Wilhelm and Ida von Paczinsky und Tenczin on October 11th, 1930, in Bremen, Germany. 

With a father who commanded ships over oceans, Joachim developed a keen interest for exploring places remote and faraway. He also developed a passion for the agricultural as a pupil of the LSH Boarding School in Holzminden, Germany, helping to grow vegetables on school grounds due to wartime food scarcity. This combination of interests would shape his destiny. Thus, after completing agricultural studies in Germany, Joachim spent several years working on agricultural research estates in Switzerland. He kept a special place in his heart for Switzerland and undoubtedly the beauty of the Swiss Alps inspired his decision to settle in the spectacular panorama of the Bulkley Valley.

In the early 1950s, Joachim crossed the Atlantic to discover and explore North America and hone his farming skills on a dairy farm in Surrey, Canada. On a trip to Germany in 1959, he met the love of his life Erika, at an equestrian ball and soon after they were married. Joachim traveled back to Canada with Erika in 1960, where he returned to farming in the Lower Mainland. Thereafter, always keen to further expand his knowledge, Joachim moved with his family to California, the leading agricultural state in the U.S. 

Then, in 1967, having purchased a dairy farm, Joachim, Erika and their two daughters moved to Telkwa in the Bulkley Valley. Later in life, Jack managed the Copper River Ranch of which he had many fond memories, notably of the stunning scenery, fascinating encounters with wildlife and many interesting people who came to marvel in its beauty. Joachim loved the Bulkley Valley and its history deeply, often expressing enormous gratitude for the happiness and opportunities it had offered him. Jack was a dedicated member of the Smithers Rotary Club which he took great pleasure and pride in. 

Interested in his roots, when Poland was accessible again after the end of communism, he was delighted to visit the place of his paternal lineage, the medieval Castle of Tenczyn. Another place, that Joachim cherished for reasons of family and fascination was the Yukon. No matter his state of health, there was never a moment that he could be convinced that he couldn’t instantly get up and travel there. Despite great physical hardships, Joachim always kept an invincible state of mind and loved life. When on his deck he heard the whisper of wind through the leaves of the now majestic trees he had planted long ago he would look you in the eyes and say, “You know this is paradise”. And yes it was. 

It can be said that no one who met Joachim would forget his vibrant, engaging personality, his infectious positivity, wit and keen intelligence. Those who had the chance to engage in a discussion with Joachim would not forget his profound interest in world affairs, arts and culture, people and places. His treasured, eclectic collection of books is a testament to this. Music was one of Joachim’s great joys, with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart the pinnacle of this art form in his view.

Everyone is welcome to Jack’s interment at the Telkwa Cemetery on the 28th of October at 11:00 am with a service to follow at 1:00 pm at the St. James Anglican Church at 1636 Princess St., in Smithers. 

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