Doris Muhs

On September 1st, 2023, Doris Muhs, a beloved member of the Peachland, BC, community, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at the age of 73. Born on November 8, 1949, in Hamburg, Germany, Doris's life was defined by her unwavering commitment to her community, her boundless energy, and her genuine kindness.

Doris was a dedicated community advocate, actively involved in various local initiatives throughout her life. Most recently, she played a pivotal role in the Trail of the Okanagans Society, which has a vision of connecting Sicamous to the U.S. border by bike trail. Before this she volunteered her time for the Peachland Visitor Centre, Scarecrow Festivals, Rubber Ducky Races, the Newcomer's Club, among other things.

Doris earned an MA in Pedagogy and Political Science from the University of Konstanz and an MA in Education from the University of Alberta. 

Doris began her journey in the business world, founding and successfully running a condominium management company in Edmonton in the 1980s. Later, she shifted her focus to education, teaching German and Social Studies, and occasionally stepping in as a substitute teacher in Sherwood Park, Ardrossan, and Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. Her dedication to nurturing young minds left an indelible mark on her students.

Doris retired early, at age 49, and embraced an active lifestyle filled with hiking, biking, and kayaking. For a few years in the early-2000s, Doris lived in Bavaria and later in northern England, spending her time biking around the Bavarian hills and around Austrian lakes; in the Yorkshire Dales of northern England and as far north as Northumbria. Since moving to Peachland, she became even more adventurous, from kayaking coastal inlets to biking/camping down the Oregon coast. Her enthusiasm for outdoor adventures was contagious, and she couldn't walk down Beach Avenue in Peachland without sharing her warm smile and friendly wave with friends and acquaintances. 

Doris's journeys included four hikes through various segments of the Camino Trail to Santiago de Compostela in Europe. These adventures afforded her more opportunities to chat up other hikers and make new friends from all over the world.

Doris was predeceased by her mother, Gerda, and long ago by her father, Helmut. She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 49 years, Wolfgang, her son Markus, her daughter Sabrina Keeping (Chris), and her adored grandchildren Colton and Everest Keeping. She is also survived by her brother Peter Witt (Susan) and several nieces and nephews.

In memory of Doris's enduring legacy and her dedication to the Trail of the Okanagans Society, the family kindly requests that, instead of flowers or other tokens of condolences, donations be made to support the society at www.trailoftheokanagans.com. All donations will be dedicated to the Drought Hill gap of the trail, which will eventually make it possible to cycle from Kelowna to Peachland.

Doris Muhs will be remembered for her genuine kindness, boundless energy, and her passion for making her community a better place. Her absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us all. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. A Celebration of Doris' life will be held on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., at the 50+ Activity Center, 5672 Beach Ave, Peachland, BC.

May she rest in peace.