Obituary of Eric Wicherts

October 10, 1924 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands

May 18, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Eric Wicherts of Calgary, AB passed away on Thursday May 18, 2023 at the age of 98 years.

Eric was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands on October 10, 1924. During the Second World War, he was an active member of the Netherlands Underground. He was later awarded a Veterans Medal from the Netherlands Government. After the war he studied Geology at the University of Utrecht and received his Masters’ Degree. He married Antonia Schrijver in 1951, and they emigrated to Canada in 1954. He worked for Imperial Oil, the United Nations, and Amoco Petroleum. He was a world expert on seismic geophysics.

Eric was an excellent sailor; and loved the sea. Until his 90th birthday, he was sailing single-handedly. He was a passionate railway enthusiast. He and his railroad colleagues owned a private railway car which they coupled to railway lines. His main hobby was his model railroad. He was a member of the American Association of Railroad Superintendents.

Eric had a wonderful sense of humour, was very intelligent, and was keenly informed on world events. He was very generous and donated to many charities his whole life. He was a wonderful man whose kind legacy will be remembered by his friends and family.

Eric is survived by his three daughters, Mirjam Moore, Titia MacKay and Cecile Petra; and his sons-in-law, James Moore and Dean MacKay. He had seven grandchildren, Wesley Moore, Morgan MacKay, Erica Paras, Brock MacKay, Jamie McFadyen, Prairie Moat and Eliza Moat; and eleven great-grandchildren.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.
 

In living memory of Eric Wicherts, 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.