Obituary of Otto Moritz HAMMER

February 11, 1936 - Oberhausen, Germany

January 5, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

 

Otto Moritz Hammer was surrounded by family when he passed away and was taken home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at the age of 84 years. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife of fifty-five years, Hendrika Hammer.

 

Otto was born in Oberhausen, Germany on February 11, 1936, to Anneliese and Wilhelm Hammer. He was the first son, but the third child of five to arrive. His siblings include Karin Varwig (Fritz Varwig, deceased), Erhard Hammer (Anne Tluk von Toschanowitz), and Dr. Hartmut Hammer (Dr. Beate Hammer-Raber). He was predeceased by his sister Erika Debus (Heinrich Debus, deceased).

 

Otto started his career as a Journeyman Gardener in Germany, garnering over three years of practical education in gardening. He then worked in both Germany and Switzerland, using the time to enjoy hiking and skiing in the Alps. Another three years of study followed to become an engineer in gardening and landscaping. During his study breaks, he was employed in different parts of Germany and Sweden. He worked in Stuttgart for a few years as a Garden Engineer but craved further adventures. This led to him coming to work in Toronto with a landscaper (P Peterson & Associates) and then a landscape architecture firm (Austin Floyd).

 

In God’s timing, Otto met someone on the boat coming over to Canada who captured his heart, his future bride Hendrika, who was going to visit her brothers in Ontario. This sparked a long-distance relationship involving phone calls and love letters. Hendrika moved to Toronto to be closer to Otto but could not work there long. She went back to Holland to arrange for emigration and, eventually, Otto followed her to meet each other’s families. Otto popped the question in Austria but preceded Hendrika back to Canada. She soon followed and they were married on December 11, 1965. Otto and Hendrika were blessed with three lovely daughters, Astrid Eckstein (Mark Eckstein), Tracy Hammer (Darren Mason), and Jennifer Jeje (Oluyemisi Jeje).

 

As his German training was not fully recognized in North America, Otto and Hendrika moved to Ann Arbor, MI where Otto completed his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture. Astrid soon came into the picture. After receiving his degree, Otto answered a job advertisement for the new University of Calgary. A pregnant Hendrika and Otto traveled to Calgary and never left. Tracy was born soon after, while Otto helped create the new university campus landscaping. Around the same time Jennifer arrived, Otto changed jobs to work for Parks Canada where he stayed until his retirement. He contributed to many projects that are still in use today. His work was mostly in Banff and Jasper and included designing the Johnston Canyon pathway, the Hoodoos Trail at Tunnel Mountain, and the trails for Lower Bankhead in Banff. He also contributed to the “Best Practices for Parks Canada Trails” and came up with the plant and foliage design for the world-renowned wildlife overpasses in Banff National Park. He worked for over twenty-five years at Parks Canada and his work has helped many people worldwide enjoy the national parks in Alberta.

 

Otto volunteered heavily at the Alberta Association of Landscape Architects and then the Calgary Horticultural Society. He worked on both boards including terms as Secretary and President, to name a few. The Hammer home became the recipient of the Best Vegetable Garden title in the city more than once. Ribbons lined the walls with all of his prizes from the annual flower show hosted by the Calgary Horticultural Society.

 

While attending the Calgary Community Reformed Church, Otto started to read the bible, wondering if it was all true. He became a born-again Christian and turned to a life of service. Part of his new life included volunteering with the church as both a Deacon and an Elder, in addition to helping anywhere he saw a need. He made sure that the church building was maintained and that the outside never suffered. Hundreds of seedlings, started under his care, made their way into numerous plant beds over the city, including the church.

 

Grandchildren started to arrive, and then retirement. The family eventually grew to include seven grandchildren. Nathanael, Josiah, Ethan, and Christianna Eckstein, Anna and Autumn Mason, and Lavender Jeje were all adored by their Opa and Oma. In his retirement, he spent more time with his family. He loved to go on outings with his grandchildren. He enjoyed downhill skiing and hiking with the grandsons, and as more girls arrived, he started to take part in tea parties and have his hair done up. He adored his grandchildren and they loved him back. Hendrika was the love of his life, and he would do anything for her.

 

At first, Otto did not quite know what to do with all the extra time, but that quickly changed. He started volunteering for Meals on Wheels, skiing with the Seniors Alpine Ski Club, hiking with the Second Sixties Outdoor Club, and working with the Akonua and Kwama Children’s Literacy Foundation. He did all of this while gardening, being active outdoors, and continuing involvement with the church. He lived a full life, worked hard, and provided well for his family.

 

Eventually, Otto’s volunteering slowed down as his body no longer cooperated with the demands. After a terrible fall in October, doctors found the source of his illness to be a glioblastoma (brain tumor). After hospitalization, Otto was able to return home and spent most of his last days at peace. The physical challenges increased and so did the amount of help received from family, friends, and healthcare professionals. In God’s timing, as his ability to respond declined, Otto spent his last day in a hospice where he peacefully passed from this life into the next. We are very grateful for all of the caring support Otto received in his last few months, especially from the staff at Foothills Hospital (Unit 112), Palliative Home Care, Foothills HPTP, and the Dulcina Hospice.

 

A Private Memorial Service will be held, on Friday, June 11, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. Family and friends are invited to join Mr. Hammer’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here. A Private Graveside Service was held for immediate family at Queen’s Park Cemetery. 

 

If friends so desire, memorial tributes to honor Otto may be made to any of the following charities: Akonua and Kwama Children’s Literacy Foundation, 215 Carmel Close NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 6Z4, www.ghanaeducationfoundation.com, Marda Loop Church, formerly known as Calgary Community Reformed Church, www.mardaloopchurch.ca, or The Mustard Seed Street Ministry, 102 – 11 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0X5 Telephone: (403) 269-1319, www.theseed.ca.

 

In living memory of Otto Hammer, 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.