Obituary of Berthold Hermann Seiler

Berthold (Bert) Hermann Seiler, beloved husband of Margaret Seiler of Calgary, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the Foothills Medical Centre on Wednesday, June 16th, 2004, at the age of 92 years. Bert was born and educated in Rodalben, Germany, making a name for himself as a soccer player. In 1930, with his cousin (Eugene Seiler) he immigrated to Canada, where for a number of years they worked as farm labourers in central Saskatchewan, clearing the land and preparing the ground to farm. In 1940, Bert moved to Alberta, and worked at a variety of jobs, including driving truck for Colpitts Ranches and later for MacCosham Storage & Cartage. He worked for the City of Calgary from 1952 to 1969, serving as a foreman in the Engineering Department, and from 1970 to 1991, he ran his own business, selling and repairing shoes. His fondest memories included the many friendships he formed with his colleagues at the City, family outings, taking his family to drive-in movies and picnicking at Twin Bridges, not to mention travelling to Germany with his family to visit relatives. These excursions included visiting Heidelberg and travelling up and down the Rhine. Bert is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Margaret; his son, Robert (Tamara) and his daughter, Maria (Frank Huizing); his son-in-law Dale Hanlie; grandchildren, Mark and Tanya Palmer, Erik, Anne-Marie, and Jennifer Huizing, and Christopher Hanlie; as well as one great-grandchild Jada. He is also survived by his sisters, Lucia Helfrich and Else Matheis and their families, living in Rodalben, Germany. Bert was predeceased by his brother Hermann and his sister Maria, who passed away during the Second World War, his son Karl in June 2002 and his daughter Carol Hanlie in March 2004. He will be sorely missed by all those whose lives he touched with his kindness and generosity. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at Holy Name Catholic Church (2223 34th Street S.W. ) on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 7:00 P.M. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name Catholic Church (2223 – 34th Street S.W.) on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 10:30 A.M., with the Rev. Robert Dielissen, Presider. Graveside Service to follow at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens. To forward condolences go to www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family extends special thanks to Dr. Ronald B. Hons and the nursing staff at Unit 46 who were so kind and caring during his struggle with renal failure. In living memory of Bert Seiler, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by MCINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, PARK MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W., CALGARY, TELEPHONE: (403) 243-8200.