Obituary of Claus Juergen CLAASSEN

April 18, 1936 – Shoensee, Germany
September 2, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Claus Claassen, beloved husband of, Dorothy Claassen (nee Sweeting) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, at the age of 84 years.

Claus was born near the village of Schoensee, West Prussia, Germany on April 18, 1936.  After the war, the family relocated to Brooks, AB then Calgary, where Claus met Dorothy, who he married in 1960 and forged a life-long partnership.
     
Claus furthered his education in night school, then continued in university courses.  He taught Automotives at SAIT for more than twenty-five years, while obtaining a Master’s Degree in Industrial Education.  Claus spent three years in Kenya on a CIDA project to train technology teachers in Nairobi. He later undertook an U.N.-sponsored project in Nepal to improve the curriculum in technical colleges there. 

Travel and living overseas, particularly in Panama, continued to be a passion for Claus and Dorothy in the following years. No matter the language, religion or culture, Claus could communicate with anyone with respect and humour, making a multitude of friends. Back home, Claus enjoyed get-togethers with his extended family and friends, and exchanging yarns with fellow SAIT retirees through SAITS ALIVE social events. 
     
Declining health slowed Claus down. The last months were spent in the compassionate care of the wonderful staff at Wentworth Manor in Calgary where he made many friends.

Claus leaves behind the memories of a life well-lived and a man well-loved. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, daughter Laura (Doug) Strong,  grandchildren, Kirsten (Kyle ), Brianna, Kayla, Mac, and Aliya; brother Hans (Frida) and their family, Paul, Ruth and Bruce in Edmonton; sisters-in-law, Eileen Ailon (Shimon) of Calgary and family, and Audrey Gordon (John) of Saskatoon and family.  Claus was pre-deceased by his parents, Erich and Marie; sister Eva and his beloved daughter Carol.  
   
A Virtual Celebration of Claus’s Life will be held at a later date. Details will be available upon inquiry to family members.  In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, www.albertacancer.ca/memorial. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Claus’ obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Claus Claassen, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.