Obituary of Gerhard Theodor Kalmbach

July 20, 1949 – August 18, 2023

In Loving Memory of Gerhard Kalmbach.

Gerhard Kalmbach, of Calgary Alberta passed away on Friday, August 18, 2023, at the age of 74 in the Dulcina Hospice Care after a long battle with cancer.

Gerhard was born in Nürtingen Baden-Württemberg, Germany on July 20, 1949. He immigrated to Winnipeg, Canada in 1968 where his journey here began. 

In 1970 he worked for three months at Garden Tools and then for another two months at a driving school. He moved to Calgary Alberta in the fall of 1970 and started working at IKO, I.G. Machines and Fibrer’s.  Gerhard worked there for three years as a baler and forklift driver. Gerhard started his long career at Palliser furniture in October 1974, he worked there for 34 years. He built, upholstered, and designed furniture of all types.  He was a team leader and mentor to new workers. He was also a supervisor of the wood shop and case goods department for many years.  Palliser furniture was Gerhards second family; this is where he cultivated many relationships that have continued through the years. In March 2008 Palliser Furniture in Airdrie closed and Gerhard started at All Drive Canada INC.

In January 2011 he worked at All West RV Rentals LTD until December 2012; then he moved on to West Campers Travel INC in June 2012 and worked there until September 2013. He inspected and repaired RV's occasionally picking up and dropping off customers where he was able to visit with all different types of travellers. Gerhard loved to diagnose and repair all types of problems with RV's.  His knowledge spilled over into his friendships where he would continually help them with all sorts of travelling, RVing, and camping information and tips.  He finally decided to retire in January of 2014.

Gerhard faced many health issues later in life, but it did not slow him down from his many worldly travels. He had travelled most of Europe, South, Central and North America. Gerhard immersed himself in the culture and activities of where he was visiting.  He was never shy to start conversations with new people no mater where he was.  Gerhard loved to travel locally in his beloved motor home where he enjoyed nature, the outdoors, taking lots of pictures and meeting new people.  He cherished his souvenirs from around the world.  Gerhard loved technology he was always searching for the newest and best.  You could call him at anytime with any question and he would have the answer and be able to walk you through what ever you needed.  Gerhard loved to learn, read, and study. Gerhard loved history and geography along with how languages were created and how they changed over time.  Gerhard would love to have long in-depth conversations about anything you can think of.  If he was talking, you knew he was happy.

Gerhard gave a large portion of his life, dutifully taking care of his parents Theodor Reinhold Kalmbach and Elfreide Geborene Bauer Kalmbach. They travelled extensively around North America in their 1977 Pontiac Catalina with a mid sized camping trailer.  Eventually they upgraded to their motor home which Gerhard spent countless hours touring the continent.  Gerhard was predeceased by his mother Elfriede in 1992 and then his father Theodor in 1999.

He is survived by his cousins, Christoph Zimmermann (Véronique), Barbra Kohane (Roberto), Renate Stötter, Patrick Hähl, Regine Zimmermann (Berthold), Dorothea Zimmermann-Hönnige (Roland Hönnige), and Gabriele Schütz (Siegbert Mlntel).

Gerhard will forever be remembered for his laugh, infectious smile, and charming demeanour. 

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 29 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: 403-521-3723, https://giving.albertacancer.ca/donate/cancer-centres

A Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held at a later date in September. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Gerhard’s family here.

In living memory of Gerhard Kalmbach, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.