Obituary of Tony Kraft

Anthony George Kraft, beloved husband of Freda and father of Norman George Kraft of Calgary, passed away peacefully at the Southwood Hospice, after losing his battle with cancer on Tuesday, January 8, 2008, at the age of 75 years. Tony was born on January 9, 1932 in Salvador, SK, on the family farm. His deep religious faith and hard work values were learned from his parents. He left the farm at the age of eighteen for the big city life of Calgary, where he lived with his brother Frank (Anne), who got him a job at Barber Machinery as a journeyman welder. There Tony met and married his first wife Jean Laura (McLellan) on June 1, 1957, and had one son Norman. After a short time in the welding trade, Tony found his calling in sales and management for Traco Manufacturing Ltd., where he worked for twenty years selling and distributing furnaces and water heaters for recreational vehicles. This job entailed extensive travelling throughout Canada, U.S.A. and Europe, which he truly enjoyed. In 1980, Traco closed in Canada and Tony became the sales representative for Western Canada and started his own company, Torman Enterprises, which he retired from in 1987. For many years he enjoyed golfing at High River, curling, playing cards, casino, fishing and camping. He was an active member of St. Gerard’s Parish since it was built, serving as an usher, greeter, on the Parish Council and in the Knights of Columbus. Tony is lovingly remembered by his second wife Freda Bourgeault, of six years (married September 8, 2001); son Norman; stepchildren Kenneth Bourgeault (Jeannette), Richard Bourgeault, Brenda Southgate (Dennis) and step-grandchildren Crystal, Candace, Kendra, Nathan, Jordan, Genny, Cody and Jessica and step great-grandfather to Kayden. Tony is also survived by his sisters and brothers Annie Weimer, Peter Kraft, Raymond (Lee) Kraft; sister-in-law Rose Kraft and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Tony was predeceased by his first wife Jean of forty years; parents George and Amelia Kraft; sisters Katherine Kraft, Barbara Boser, Eleanor Brosinsky; brothers Paul, John and Frank Kraft; brothers-in-law Ned Weimer, Ray Brosinsky and John Boser and his sisters-in-law Ursula and Anne Kraft. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church (8944 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church (8944 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Monday, January 14, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Union Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Southwood Hospice, 211 Heritage Drive S.E., Calgary, T2H 1M9. The family would like to thank Dr. Lim and Linda as well as all the very caring nurses and staff at the Southwood Hospice. In living memory of Tony Kraft, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.