Obituary of Max Kattenburg-Schuler

May 24, 1936 – Soerabaja, Dutch East Indies

October 2, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Max Kattenburg-Schuler, beloved husband of Frida, of Calgary, AB passed away on Sunday, October 2, 2022 at the age of 86 years.

Max was born on May 24, 1936 in Soerabaja, Dutch East Indies (Indonesia) where he grew up with his two older brothers and younger sister. After the war ended in 1945, the family moved to The Netherlands and settled in Hilversum. Max's creative spirit led him to study Art and Architecture. He joined the armed forces and served as a nurse.

Max met his beloved wife Frida and they were married on October 10, 1962. They had their first child Monique in October of 1963, and two years later immigrated to Canada to start a new life. After taking a boat to Gander, NL, they settled in Calgary, AB where Max's education landed him a job with the Alberta Public works as an architectural draftsman. In December of 1966, they welcomed their son Robert to their family. Max longed for a home of his own and proceeded to design and build their home in Varsity Acres where they lived from 1967 to April of 2022.

Max had a passion for all things beautiful. When he wasn't painting, drawing, carving or gardening, he was designing and constructing the most amazing furniture for friends and family. Many a late night one would find Max downstairs in his workshop hammering and sawing, all the while whistling a happy tune.

Besides his loving wife Frida, Max is survived by his older brother Ruud Kattenburg-Schuler, children Monique Cavanagh (Steve), Rob (Cheralee); his treasured grandchildren Mitchell Kattenburg-Schuler, Chelsea Cavanagh, Kaylee Cavanagh and Jocelyn Kattenburg-Schuler; nieces Yvonne (Dirk), and Nicole (Wessel); and brother and sisters-in-law Meta Wieser, Jack and Judy Arends. Max was predeceased by his parents, older brother Willem, younger sister Ria, and many beloved aunts and uncles.

His eye for beauty was matched only by his enormous heart. His memory will live on forever. Words cannot express how much he will be missed.

A celebration of life will be announced by the family at a later date.

In living memory of Max Kattenburg-Schuler, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway.