Obituary of Arthur Stephen Klimes

KLIMES, Arthur Stephen

December 6, 1929 – Sternberk, Czech Republic

January 12, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

Arthur Klimes, beloved husband of Beatrice Klimes (nee Bonnell) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at the age of 92 years.

Arthur was born in Sternberk, Czech Republic on December 6, 1929, to Hans and Marianne Klimes (nee Friedmann). After completion of public school there, he continued his education in textile engineering, studying in Vienna, Svitavy and Brno; prior to his escaping war torn Europe with his father and Brother for Montreal, Canada in December of 1948. Upon arrival in Canada Arthur joined Dominion Textile Co., Canada's largest textile manufacturing company at the time. He married Beatrice Bonnell on January 24, 1953, and they went on to have three children, Peter, Karen, and Diana.

While working, he continued his part-time studies to receive a bachelors in 1955 and B. Com. in 1957 from Concordia University. He was a part-time lecturer in the commerce faculty for 12 years following his graduation. Arthur worked in increasingly more technical and scientific positions as he moved up the ladder through 47 years at Dominion Textiles until his retirement in 1995, and then another 3 years in a consulting capacity. He frequently traveled for work to the U.S., Western Europe and occasionally Japan and India. Arthur held several provincial and national titles of professional involvement, including directorship of the association of Textile Industrial Engineers, presidency and fellowship in the Canadian Institute of Textile Science and was the Canadian Government representative for textiles to the International Standards Organization. Arthur was also a governor for the Montreal General Hospital Foundation. He was proficient in several languages, but always spoke English with his lovable heavy German accent which never left him.

For 24 years, he enjoyed relaxing at his country home with three generations of family, on Lake Memphremagog, Quebec. He volunteered in the community as President of the N.D.G. skating club in Montreal and as bookkeeper for his senior community once he and Beatrice retired west to Calgary in 1998, to be near his daughter Diana and her family.

His past times included swimming, boating, skiing, and reading. His love of learning continued throughout his life, and he loved sharing what he learned with all, often through newspaper clippings. Arthur had beautiful penmanship, for which he was well known, and loved to communicate with friends and family through letters and note cards.

Arthur is survived by his loving wife, Beatrice Klimes; children, Peter Klimes, Karen Dumouchel (Chris) and Diana Klimes; eleven grandchildren and their spouses; sister Heidi; and thirty great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Rudolf Klimes.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, January 21, 2022, starting at 2:00 pm. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Those attending will be asked to provide valid government identification (with name and date of birth) AND confirm one of the following: (A)Provincial vaccine record with QR code (paper or digital); OR (B)negative COVID test (within 72 hours); or (C)valid medical exemption (signed letter); OR (D)under 12 years of age. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Klimes’ 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.

In living memory of Arthur Klimes, 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.

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