Obituary of Adolf Gutsche

On October 6, 2006, at the age of 82, Adolf left this world to be with his Redeemer. He is survived by Emma, his beloved wife of fifty-eight years, as well as his loving sons Siegfried, Helmut and Armin and daughters-in-law Shelagh and Lorna. They all remember his protective love and pride in their many accomplishments. Additionally, Adolf is survived by his five grandchildren: Kyla, Jeremy, Billy, Dustin and Emma?all of whom will remember with a smile how their Opa shared their delight in simple pleasures, including bird whistles, fishing, dominoes, cartoons and vanilla ice cream! Adolf will also be remembered by his religious community at Thornhill Baptist Church, where he sang tenor in the choir, and by his many friends. Even in the later stages of his battle with Alzheimer?s, Adolf recalled fondly his youth spent in Rohrbach, Bessarabia (in present day Moldovia) and courtship of Emma Martin, his childhood sweetheart. Despite being separated during World War II, they rekindled their love and married in 1948. In 1952, facing poverty and unemployment in Europe, Adolf set out for Canada with his wife, young son and two of his twelve siblings. In spite of only a rudimentary command of the English language and a few dollars in his pocket, his fierce determination and inspiring pioneer spirit enabled him to build a better life for him and his growing family. Adolf?s quiet dignity and strong work ethic made him a valued employee and colleague, first in Turin, Alberta, then Edmonton and finally in Calgary, where he gave nearly twenty-five years of devoted service to the City Parks as an arborist. The trees and parks of Calgary are a living memorial to his talents and love of nature. His sense of duty and profound need to help others never left him, even in the face of his advancing disease. While residing at the Bethany Harvest Hills Alzheimer?s Home, he helped wheel around the other patients, aided in the folding of linens and even moved furniture ? whether it needed to be moved or not! Truly he gave the world more than he took from it. Adolf?s family would like to thank his friends and also his fellow residents at the Bethany Harvest Hills for their compassion and understanding, as well as the many doctors, nurses and support staff who worked so hard to alleviate both Adolf?s suffering, and that of his family, during the many stages of is battle with Alzheimer?s. While the disease claimed him in the end, his strength and courage live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY?S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) today, October 12, 2006 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at Thornhill Baptist Church (128 Tache Avenue N.W.) today, October 13, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Ken VanderMuelen, Presider. Graveside Service to follow at Queen?s Park Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Bethany Care Centre, Harvest Hills, 19 Harvest Gold Manor N.E., Calgary, AB T3K 4Y1. Telephone: (403) 403) 226-8200. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Adolf Gutsche a tree will be planted at Fletcher Park Memorial Forest, by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.