The Casa Loma Community Association

would like to show their appreciation to those who have helped make

Casa Loma the community it is.

Heinz Willi Zdralak 2016

We would be remiss if we didn’t remember Heinz as Casa Loma’s first resident who passed away March 20.

Those who got to know Heinz, and his family, knew what a unique, colourful and industrious individual he was.

In the Casa Loma community, Heinz was the longest living resident. If Casa Loma, in the Okanagan area, ever had a first family, Heinz who moved here in 1930 with his parents and older brother John, certainly qualify.

All of us now live on the areas where the four generations of the Zdrelak family grew up. Where they played as children, where they homesteaded, and grew their farming operations. Later, our entire Casa Loma area was developed from the land they once owned including building the original Casa Loma Resort.

Known as a “do it yourself” man that could make, whittle, tinker and fix almost anything that a farmer, as an orchardist or whatever a working man’s entrepreneur could do, Heinz did it all. For anyone that took the time to get know Heinz and meet him at his home, they would have seen the vast collection of museum pieces of almost every imaginable historical time in the Zdrelak barns, buildings, in the house and across his farmland.

Heinz was known as a great historian of many things that this area went through over the past 87 years since he moved to Casa Loma.

One summer Heinz drove around Casa Loma pointing out all the ways the natural water flows and how the water systems evolved and then where the original buildings started in this area.

In the past, so many of us who has driven on Campbell Road saw Heinz, his wife (Elsie) or their daughter Deanie working the multiple hay crops by driving the tractor. Or you may have seen Heinz motoring around his property on his legendary golf cart.

We miss you Heinz.

More stories of Heinz http://www.westbank.biz/images/heinz.pdf

Alice Zdralek

March 22, 1919 - January 25, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alice Zdralek (nee Tree), a remarkable woman who lived an exceptionally long and fulfilling life of 105 years. Born on her family's farm in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Alice spent her childhood surrounded by the beauty of the prairies and developed a lifelong fondness for draft horses.

Alice's life was marked by adventure, love, and dedication to her family. She met her husband, Johannes Zdralek, in grade school, and he would often ride his horse onto the ferry across Okanagan Lake to take her on dates. Once married they regularly made the trip together by small fishing boat, earning her the nickname "Alice the Ballast" for her ability to keep him grounded. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and hard work.

In 1967, the Zdralek family built Casa Loma Resort, which Alice managed with precision and care. She handled the accounting, booking, and daily upkeep, and was often seen riding a dirt bike up the hill with a large basket of linens to launder at her house. Her fearlessness and adventurous spirit were inspiring to all who knew her.

Alice's love of travel took her to many exciting destinations, including Spain and Costa Rica. She was a kind and nurturing person who always put the needs of others before her own. She lovingly raised her three children and later her three grandchildren. Alice was always there to lend a helping hand and sing a Scottish tune.

In her later years, Alice was lovingly cared for by her daughter, Val, with whom she shared many happy memories, including lunch dates and epic road trips. Alice's legacy is one of love, kindness, and generosity, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing her.

Predeceased by husband Johannes, sisters Helen (Frank) & Betty (Johnny), brothers Frank (Ida) & Murray, daughter Louise (Tom) and son Dan (Cheyenne). Alice is survived by her daughter Val, grandchildren Shelly, Lance (Frankie), Donna (Curt), Tony (Holly), John, James (Rebecca), Julia (Adam) and Danielle as well as many great grand children who will cherish the memories of her bright and generous spirit, her unwavering dedication to those she loved, and her ability to open her arms and heart to all without judgment or conditions. She will be remembered as a truly remarkable woman who lived life to the fullest and left an indelible mark on the lives of all who knew her

Michael Duggan 2015

Mike Duggan was a leading force with the CLCA. The Board led by Michael were working on the Campbell Rd. and hwy 97 intersection prior to the “new” bridge and a walkway on Campbell Rd from Casa Grande to BLackmum’s orchard.

Mike was president of the CLCA till 2004, later he continued to sit on the board till 2007.

For those who knew Mike, he would tirelessly walk the streets and meet people all the time.

Thank you Mike Duggan for your vision and drive to start the Casa Loma Community

Rodney Wright 2022

Rodney grew up in Ontario and retired to Casa Loma after a successful career in sales and marketing. Rodney married his best friend, Linda in 1980. Together they raised 2 children and 4 grand-kids to whom he was “Silly Grandad”. He loved to golf in the summer. ski in the winter and in between he travelled.

We are all better for knowing Rodney.

Always smiling, Rodney was a champion for the betterment of the Casa Loma Community. For two sessions over 10 years Rodney sat as a Director for the Casa Loma Community Association. He had a conviction of duty that help lead to many positive results for the community.

Rodney, you were the voice of reason.