Obituary of Peter D. A. HEINRICH

November 24, 1939 – Leipzig, Germany

February 12, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Peter Heinrich, beloved husband of Freya Heinrich (nee Ekelmann) of Calgary, AB passed away peacefully on Friday, February 12, 2021, at the age of 81 years.

Peter was born in Leipzig, Germany on November 24, 1939, to Ruth Heinrich. Peter completed his apprenticeship as Journeyman Fitter and Boilermaker in Berlin, Germany and came to Canada in 1961 on the Seven Seas ship at 21 years old to be a cowboy in the West.

Peter spent the early part of his career as a welder of everything from decorative metal works, boilers, heavy equipment roll-cages, and finally joining the Alberta Oil & Gas industry in a valve manufacturing company. Peter took his expertise as a quality welder of many years to go back to school and became certified as a pipeline welding inspector. He was inspecting and consulting for over a decade on a number of projects throughout Alberta, receiving numerous awards for his excellent safety record.

Peter loved old western movies, western music, and Elvis. He loved the outdoors and took his family to the mountains every weekend for a hike and picnic whenever possible in the summer and skiing in the winter. When his children were growing up, vacations nearly always involved camping. Peter loved the martial arts, practising various styles. Peter had a talent for building things, whether it was a deck one weekend or converting a bedroom into a living room in his home. 

Peter is survived by his loving and caring wife of 57 years, Freya B.D. Heinrich, his children, Tara (Frazer) Kilpatrick and Lance (Denise) Heinrich; two grandchildren, Jackson Hofer and James Bell; and one sister Diane Leger (Ed).

A Private Service will be held. In lieu of flowers, If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Peter's name directly to The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Administrative Office, 10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton AB T5H 4K1.  Tel: (1-866) 950-5465, www.alzheimer.ab.ca. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed on Peter’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Peter Heinrich, 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.