Obituary of Wolfgang Engels

Wolfgang Paul Engels of Calgary, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Monday, May 15, 2006 at the age of 88 years. Wolfgang will be missed by Ruth, his beloved wife of 62 years; his two sons Henry (Marion) and Ralph (Merceil); and four grandchildren Paul, Julia (Jeff) Lawrick, Larry and Alexander, who affectionately called him Opa. Born July 1, 1917 in Elberfeld, Germany and educated as a mechanical engineer, Wolfgang married Ruth, his childhood sweetheart, in 1943. Fluent in six languages he also worked as a technical translator before immigrating to Canada in 1951. Living in Montreal, then Edmonton, the family settled in Calgary in 1954. Wolfgang continued his engineering career with projects throughout Canada and internationally until his retirement in 1991. During his retirement Wolfgang focussed on volunteer work at the Kerby Centre (Board of Directors 1991-1993), assisted seniors with annual tax preparations, and was a strong advocate for senior’s rights. Honesty, integrity and generosity were his guiding principles in all aspects of life. In addition to his family and friends with whom he loved to share his unique sense of humour, his passions included playing the piano, singing with the German choir, travelling the world and enjoying his dogs. Following a private graveside service, friends are invited to join the family for a gathering at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Humane Society (S.P.C.A.), 4455 – 110 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2C 2T7 (403-205-4455); or The Calgary Handi-Bus Association, 231 – 37 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 8J2 (403-276-8028). In living memory of Wolfgang Engels 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.