Obituary of Reuben Poffenroth

Reuben (Rube) Poffenroth of Calgary passed away on Monday, September 5, 2005 at the Foothills Medical Centre, after a courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 78 years. Rube will be dearly missed by his two sons and daughters-in-law, Barry and Barb and Brian and Gail; his four cherished granddaughters, Kimberly and Kelly, Sarah and Kate; his sister Esther; and numerous nieces and nephews. Rube was predeceased by his wife and soul-mate Jean in 2003; his parents John and Mary Poffenroth; his brother Samuel; and his sisters Mary, Pauline, Leah, and Marion. Rube was born on October 1, 1926 in Calgary. He met his true love and life partner, Hazel Jean Dafoe in Calgary and went on to enjoy a wonderful forty-nine years of marriage. Rube joined the Calgary Fire Department in 1951, retiring thirty-five years later as District Fire Chief – just in time to enjoy his first grandchild and spend much more time on the golf course. Rube was a good athlete as a young man who evolved in later life to coaching his boys’ Little League baseball, golfing three times a week and most recently, a regular cheerleader at his granddaughter’s soccer, skating and dancing events. Rube and Jean travelled in retirement and had frequent social get-togethers with their many friends. Rube was privileged to have some very special friendships that spanned over sixty-five years which involved weekly coffee “rendezvous.” Coming from a family of seven, Rube had close relationships with many nieces and nephews and their families, most of whom also live in Calgary and would visit with Rube frequently. Without a doubt, family and friends were Rube’s greatest treasures. Rube will be remembered most for his kindness and compassion, his strength and courage, and the unconditional love he had towards his family and friends. Rube had a wonderful gift of making everyone feel special. We were all enriched, blessed, and honoured for having Rube a part of our lives, and are now comforted knowing that Rube and Jean have again been reunited. Memorial Services will be held at Faith Lutheran Church (1903 – 19 Avenue N.W.) on Monday, September 12, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Horst Aechtner, Presider. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com In lieu of flowers and if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Faith Lutheran Church, 1903 – 19 Avenue N.W. Calgary, AB T2M 1B 1B8 where Rube and Jean were faithful church members for over forty-five years, or to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: (403) 521-3433. The family would like to thank Pastor Horst Aechtner for his friendship and compassion, the many friends and family who have offered their support during the past year, and Rube’s medical team including Dr. Ken Cody, Dr. Lynn Savoie and Ann Coulthard of the Tom Baker Centre and the wonderful nursing teams on Unit 32 at the Foothills Medical Centre. In living memory of Rube Poffenroth, a tree will be planted by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.