Couple killed in Penticton apartment fire were married for 58 years

The victims of last weekend’s fatal apartment fire in Penticton have been identified.

Albert “Bert” Northrup and Karen Northrup died two days apart after 58 years of marriage, according to an obituary published today, Dec. 16, in the Penticton Herald.

“They leave behind many friends and fond memories of good times wherever they lived,” reads the obituary. “After retirement, travelling in their motor home, or settling in Yuma, kept them enjoying life together.”

Before their retirement, Karen, who was born in 1943, worked in the medical field and as a secretary, and Bert, born 1941, was a banker with CIBC.

READ MORE: Second person has died, 10 displaced after apartment fire in Penticton

The fire happened on the evening of Dec. 10. Bert was found dead in their condo and Karen was taken to the hospital where she succumbed to her injuries on Dec. 12.

"To the nurses and hospital care for Karen in her last few days, thank you,” the obituary says. 

A memorial service will not be held, at the their quest.

In memory of Burt and Karen donations may be made to the B.C. Children's Hospital and condolences can be shared here.


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Dan Walton

Before joining the ranks of InfoTel, Dan’s byline could be found in newspapers in Penticton, Peachland and Oliver. Prior to his arrival in the South Okanagan, he first sharpened his chops as a reporter at a radio station in Brighton, Ontario, and then newspapers in Tisdale, Saskatchewan, and Invermere B.C.
From quilting competitions to crimes against humanity, Dan isn’t afraid to cover any topic. Always seeking out the best angles - whether it’s through the lens of his camera or the voices of his Interviews – he delves into the conflict and seeks out the humanity in every story worth telling.
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