Obituary of Erika HICKLIN

November 26, 1942 – Suchau, Poland December 12, 2015 – Calgary Alberta It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Erika Hicklin (Kempf) announce that she passed away unexpectedly December 12, 2015 at the Rockyview General Hospital in Calgary, Alberta. John 14: 1-4 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Erika was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend too many. She was surrounded by loving family and friends throughout her stay in the hospital and in her final moments. Erika was born November 26, 1942 to her parents Robert and Elsie Kempf in Suchau, Poland. She was the youngest of four siblings and leaves behind; Oskar Kempf ( Maureen and family ), Erna Sulz (and family), Al Kempf (Dorothy and family) and sister-in-law Lois Hicklin (and family). We take comfort that she is now reunited in Heaven with her parents, her infant brother Rudy Kempf, her brother-in-law Eddie Sulz, her nephew Richard Kempf and parents-in-law Albert and Iola Hicklin. Erika’s childhood took her and her family thru Poland, Romania, Bessarabia and Germany all before the age of nine. Finally, they landed in New York, USA and eventually made their way to western Canada. Erika rarely spoke of the difficulties and challenges that she and her family endured throughout their immigration to Canada and instead shared beautiful stories of the people who extended kindness. Her favourite memories with her siblings were raiding gardens, for sustenance mainly, but just maybe for a little bit of mischief too! She loved her family and always wanted the best for all of them. Erika wed Marvin Hicklin October 09, 1965. They had three children, all girls, Karman Parry (Rob), Clara Archer (Larry) and Barbara Hicklin. They were a family that loved being together, camping and fishing! Many a weekend and holidays were spent driving and bunking in converted school buses searching for the perfect fishing hole and swimming spot. It was also during these trips that Erika shared her love of reading and life’s simple pleasures with her girls. When the girls grew too old to accompany their parents, Erika and Marvin continued with their adventures and upgraded to the most luxurious motorhomes. They travelled in style thru most of the western and southern United States. Erika was quiet and reserved and so very modest. She was not one for attention or conflict. She was strong and determined when it came to her family though. She loved and supported her husband and her girls with her whole heart and kept them close thru all of life’s triumphs and challenges. Erika loved her grandchildren, all nine of them: from the oldest to the youngest: Veronica Oscroft (Phil), Darryl Westendorp, Mackenzie Hicklin, Bobby Parry, Billy Parry, Elizabeth Parry and Athena Kyriakou. And the later and most welcome additions of Jesse and Cody Archer. Erika and Marvin shared their love of camping and fishing with their grandsons. Erika shared the fine art of heartfelt conversation with her granddaughters. Erika’s favourite time with the grandchildren was her annual family tradition of decorating Christmas cookies. It developed into quite a fun competition as the kids got older and none of them ever wanted to miss attending! While it was difficult to keep up with the daily comings and goings of all the grandchildren, Erika had the uncanny ability to recognize the very essence of each and every one of her grandchildren and was so proud of them all. Erika also loved and kept closest to her, two dearest friends, cousin Ingrid Chalifoux of Calgary and Anne Metcalfe of Cairns, Australia. We would be remiss if we didn’t also include Erika’s love for her many dogs. She never went long without a dog right by her side and she took great comfort in their companionship. In keeping with Erika’s wishes, no funeral will be held. If family and friends should wish to celebrate and honour Erika, a donation in her memory to her favourite charity, The Salvation Army, 1731 29th Street SW Calgary, AB, T3C 1M6, on line at www.salvationarmy.ca, or by phone 403-410-1112, would be very appreciated. In living memory of Erika Hicklin, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th STREET S.E.. Telephone: 403-203-0525.