Obituary of Erich Richter

Richter, Erich July 4, 1934 – Bessarabien, Tarutino February 16, 2016 – Calgary, Alberta Erich Richter, beloved husband of Erika Richter of Okotoks, Alberta, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at the age of 81 years. Erich Richter was born to Wilhelm and Ida Richter in Bessarabien, a German colony situated along the Black Sea which is now part of Rumania. During the Second World War and after 100 years living there, his family was forced to leave everything behind and relocate to northern Germany where Erich finished his apprentice schooling and enjoyed his leisure time playing soccer. On July 3, 1953, his parents made the difficult decision to leave Germany in search of a better life in Canada. They settled in Trochu, Alberta and worked on a farm for two years, before moving to Calgary. Erich immediately found work in the Oil and Gas industry as a heavy duty mechanic, applying his many talents that transpired throughout his life. He met Erika Bleich at a dance in the summer of 1958, not knowing she had lied about her age until her birthday when he bought her 18 roses and realized he should’ve bought 17. Shortly after meeting, he was sent for 2 years to work in North Africa with Western Geophysical, but not before proposing to the woman of his dreams. When he wasn’t working in Africa, he spent his time between Las Palmas in the Canary Islands and Madrid, Spain. Erich and Erika were married on August 18, 1962 at St. Matthew Lutheran church. They had one son, Richard who was born on July 15, 1964. Erich became Richard’s greatest role model, mentor and friend. By the time Richard was 8, Erich was already taking him to work in the shop, where he taught him everything he knew about mechanics. In 1968 Erich went to work for Amoco Petroleum as shop foreman for the geophysical division, and was responsible for creating cutting edge technology still being used in the industry today. After almost 25 years in the Oil and Gas industry, he transitioned into Highway trucking. In 2003 Erich and his son Richard opened the family businesses, Environmental Rescue Equipment and ERE Systems Inc. Erich took on the role of head designer for defence and wild land firefighting equipment, specializing in off road firefighting trucks and bridging systems. Erich and Richard worked together on company projects up until his very last day of life. His last two days were spent with his loved ones having a beautiful Valentine’s dinner, followed by the perfect Family Day visiting Canmore. Erich is survived by his loving wife Erika; son Richard (Sandra); grandchildren, Trinity, Bianca and Erich; Sister Ella (Otto) Hofmann and brother Paul (Tammy) Richter. Funeral Services will be held at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 66-7th Street N.E, on Friday, March 4, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. Forward condolences through . In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to St. Matthew Lutheran Church or The Calgary Humane Society, 4455 – 110th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2C 2T7, Telephone: (403)205-4455, to which Erich often donated. In living memory of Erich Richter, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: 403-256-9575.