Obituary of Otto Cornelius HASTMAN

August 27, 1935 – Minsk, Poland
February 20, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness but with tremendous gratitude for his life, that we announce the passing of Otto Hastman at the Peter Lougheed Centre in Calgary, AB on Saturday, February 20, 2021, at the age of 85 years, while surrounded by his family, including his son virtually from Denver, Colorado.

For those who knew Otto, they remember a man who brightened the room by his presence and whose infectious smile and kind, caring eyes brought an instant connection with those he met. While his life was challenged by a farm accident in 1973 that confined him to a wheelchair for over forty-seven years, his sheer determination and unfaltering will propelled him to do things that made even able-bodied men marvel. His ingenuity and creativity made up for what he lost in his mobility and he farmed until he was 69 years old, as that was always his dream. Dad was an amazing man, mostly quiet and gentle, but very determined. He was a wonderful father and loving husband, faithful and consistent friend and inspirational and compelling man.  

Otto was born in Poland, though his family were of German descent. His family immigrated to Canada in 1939 with three small children, Otto being the youngest. The Hastman family settled in Onoway, north of Edmonton, AB, where the family later expanded to seven children. The Hastman’s then moved to Edmonton where Otto later became a welder, and he met the love of his life Elaine and they married in July 1965. Otto and Elaine moved to the Vancouver area for a couple of years and then to Calgary before eventually settling west of Airdrie in April 1973. Otto and Elaine enjoyed their retirement with many travels, cruises and time spent with friends in Phoenix, Arizona. Otto enjoyed watching hockey, football and drinking Tim Horton's coffee! He loved his four grandchildren, in Canmore, AB and Denver, Colorado. 

Otto and Elaine’s church, Beddington Pentecostal was invaluable at the time of Otto’s accident and continued to be so throughout the years. A life marked by a quiet, never-failing faith, Otto was looking forward to meeting his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in Heaven, as well as being reunited with many family members. 

Otto will be deeply missed by his wife Elaine, daughter Diana (Don), son James (Kelly), grandchildren Caleb, Isabella, Madilyn and Holden; brothers, Leo (Martha), and Allen (Julie); sister Joyce McGhie as well as many nieces, nephews and family friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Adolph and Augusta; siblings, Lydia, Daniel, and Leonard; and granddaughter Hayley.

Due to Covid restrictions, A Private Family Service will be held with a Celebration of Otto’s Life to be held when restrictions are lifted. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Otto’s life can make a donation to the charity of their choice. For those who wish to are but unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted (see below). Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Otto’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

The family wishes to pass on special thanks to the staff at the Peter Lougheed Centre, as Otto spent time in various units there. Your kindness and dedication to our dad are very much appreciated. Also, extra special recognition goes to his family physician for many years, Dr John McSorley of Airdrie. Dad was very fortunate to have such a dedicated doctor.

“Until we see you again, dad”

In living memory of Otto Hastman, 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.