Obituary of Ralf Sellmer

With profound sadness the family of Ralf Sellmer announces his passing on Sunday, September 4, 2005. Ralf is survived by his loving wife Yvonne; his children, Rory (Anne), Natalie (Damon), and Nicholas; and adored grandson Cole Sellmer. Ralf was born on September 13, 1942 to Irene and Heinrich Sellmer (deceased) of Preetz, Germany. He is survived in Germany by his sister Doris (Hans); brothers Wulff (Brigitte) and Uwe (Hildegard); in Ireland by his in-laws Tom (Blanche), Gregory (Yvonne), Valerie (Pat), Geraldine (David), Hugh (Joan); in the United States Marjorie (Jack), Brenda (Oliver), Miriam (Brian); and the most wonderful nieces and nephews. Ralf will be remembered by family and friends enjoying good wine, whiskey, music, and art. Ralf was an avid outdoors man; he loved running in Fish Creek with his black Labrador; biking, hiking around the world, kayaking and skiing with the family. Ralf started his career in international shipping and freight forwarding in Germany. Upon completion of his training, he lived in Sweden, then moved to Ireland where he met and fell in love with Yvonne. They started a wonderful life together in Tehran for seven years, then Montreal, Frankfurt, Dublin, and finally settling with their children in Calgary. Ralf worked with a Swiss shipping company for twenty-eight years, traveling extensively throughout the world, winning the loyalty and respect of his colleagues and clients. In 1998, Ralf started Sellmer International Consulting, which grew into a very successful company in the project and logistic field. We sincerely thank everyone who looked after Ralf during his battle with pancreatic cancer. To Rosedale Hospice, thank-you for the peace Ralf enjoyed in his last days. To our palliative homecare nurse, Sue Pearse, to our oncology nurses at Tom Baker, especially Wendy and Charlene thank-you. We would also like to thank Dr. Jose Periera for his guidance and a special thank-you to Dr. Scot Dowden whose encouragement and care kept Ralf’s spirits strong for the past sixteen months. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Ralf’s name to the Rosedale Hospice #900, 833 – 4 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3T5 Telephone: (403) 263 – 4525. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Saturday, September 10, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. A memorial bench in Ralf’s name will be placed at Glenmore Reservoir. May he rest in peace. In living memory of Ralf Sellmer, 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.