Obituary of Manfred Hans SCHEBEK

March 26, 1946 – Cheb, Czech Republic
July 3, 2021– Calgary, Alberta

Manfred Schebek, beloved husband of Jan Schebek (née Gillespie) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at the age of 75 years.

Manfred was born on March 26, 1946 in Cheb, Czech Republic. He was the middle son of Rosine (Rose) Klein (née Schebek). He grew up and attended school in Bad Nauheim, West Germany. In 1961, he began his apprenticeship as a welder in Friedberg, which he completed successfully in 1964 obtaining a Master Welder Certification. Manfred was a gifted welder. Upon turning 18, he joined the West Germany army and served in special operations paratrooper battalion 261 (Fallschirmiagerbataillion 261) for four years. After leaving the army, he worked at various fabrication facilities in Germany. His final working years in Germany were for Lufthansa Airlines at Frankfurt Airport. His time at the airport reignited his lifelong dream of living in the Canadian West.

Manfred, his wife Doris and son Ramon immigrated to Canada on September 14, 1982, where they settled in Calgary. Manfred worked as a welding repair specialist for several years at Humfrey Industrial Repair in Calgary before realizing his dream of running his own business. He incorporated Manfred’s Industrial Repair Inc. on July 25, 1996 and successfully operated the business until retiring in 2015.
Manfred and Janet Campbell Gillespie married in 1987 in Ottawa. They resided together in the Calgary communities of Woodbine, Kingsland and Parkland. Manfred often spoke fondly of childhood memories of the cherry orchards around Bad Nauheim. This prompted him to follow another dream of being an orchardist, and Manfred and Jan brought their own small orchard in Creston, BC in 2009. They spent many happy summers in Creston and enjoyed the beauty of the valley and the excellent cherries they produced. Manfred also loved fishing from his boat on the Kootenay River and recounting amusing stories with his friends and family.

Manfred was well known for his generosity and kindness and he will always be remembered for being quick to offer a helping hand. He was very creative with his metal sculptures creating many birdhouses, mailboxes and garden ornaments. He loved the challenge of making unique tools, and his custom walnut crackers adorn many homes in Calgary and the Creston valley. Manfred was also an adventurer at heart who followed and fulfilled his dreams. He will be greatly missed by family and friends in Canada, Ireland, USA, Switzerland and Germany.

Manfred is survived by his wife Jan and by his two children Ramon (Kerrie) Schebek and Jennifer (James) Switzer (née Schebek). He is also survived by his two beloved grandchildren Sophia Rose Switzer and Oliver Gordon Switzer. Manfred was predeceased by his mother and by his older brother Albert. 

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Calgary Humane Society, 4455 – 110th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB  T2C 2T7, Telephone: (403)205-4455, www.calgaryhumane.ca.  Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Manfred’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

The family would like to thank the staff at Foothills hospital Unit 112 for their patient and gentle care during Manfred’s final days.

In living memory of Manfred Schebek, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.