Obituary of Henry (Harry) W. STROPPEL

April 29, 1933 – Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
May 28, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

Harry Stroppel of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, May 28, 2021 at the age of 88 years after a brief fight with cancer.

Harry was born in Prince Albert, SK, on April 29, 1933. Harry spent his early life in the Middle Lake area in Saskatchewan and moved to Edmonton with his family. He attended St. Joseph’s High School in Edmonton. A life long interest in aviation led to membership in the Royal Canadian Air Force Reserve, 418 Squadron. Subsequently he embarked on a very successful career in sales, working for a number of companies including Brantford Cordage, Sellotape and Stonhard. The Stroppel family moved to Calgary in 1958 and took up residence with other young families, including their dear friends the Swain family, in the Kingsland Community. Harry and his wife Noella were tireless supporters of the Kingsland Community League. Harry was also very interested in sailing and became a founding member of the Glenmore Sailing Club in the early 1960’s. Love of sailing is one of the many gifts that Harry passed on to his children and grandchildren. The Stroppel family were active members of the Catholic community at St. Gerard’s Church on Elbow Drive.

After retiring in his mid-fifties, Harry embarked on a second career as an artist. He produced, sold and donated literally thousands of watercolor paintings. He was generous in supporting fledgling artists. Harry’s work adorns the halls of numerous hospitals and other public institutions in Calgary. Harry passed his last days at the Rockyview Hospital where more than fifty of his paintings are now displayed. By coincidence Rockyview decided in May of 2021 to honour Harry with an acknowledgement of his artistic donations and a special display of his work. The coincidence touched his family and Harry himself very deeply.  Harry was a man of abiding faith. He took great solace from his faith in his final days.

“…For a perishable body weighs down the soul,
And this earthly tent burdens the thoughtful mind…
And thus the paths of those on earth were set right,
And people were taught what pleases you,
And were saved by wisdom.”
Wis. 9.15-18

Harry is survived by his sons, Rick and Dave (Charlotte Newton-Stroppel) and daughter Catherine (Peter Guyan). He is also survived by grandchildren, Kelsey, Eric, Shael, Drew, Quinn and Audrey. Also mourned by his long-time friend Sandra Sanson. Harry was predeceased by his beloved wife Noella, father Henry, mother Milly, brother Willi and daughter-in-law Kelly Mah.

On account of Covid 19 restrictions, a very small funeral will be held at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church in Calgary, AB. In the fall of 2021, when restrictions have been lifted, we will organize a public Celebration of Harry Stroppel’s Life. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Harry’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Calgary Telephone: (403) 250-0319, https://ssvpcalgary.ca/give/

In living memory of Harry Stroppel, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.