Obituary of Horst Scholz

August 26, 1943 - Görlitz, Germany

August 24, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Horst Scholz beloved husband of Frieda Toews of Calgary, AB, peacefully ended his journey on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at the age of 79 years.

Horst and Frieda moved to Calgary, AB in 1974—soon after, Horst fell in love with Bragg Creek, where he bought a house on White Crescent—it is where his heart was. Living in nature gave him the freedom to explore and enjoy the backcountry and work in Calgary—he felt that he had arrived, with his VW Camper and his constant companion, Charlie the beagle. Working as a chef at the Four Seasons Hotel and then owning his own restaurant, Le Gourmet, demanded long hours, so the move back to Calgary was necessary. Horst bought the Steinmeyer’s House in Richmond Park, and he still had the Yoho Tinda cottage in Bragg Creek which became his happy place. He was in his element: hiking, entertaining friends, telling stories, walking the dogs, reading, and adding to his collection. Horst and Frieda hiked for hours in West Bragg Creek. He was very loyal to his friends and made sure that his annual birthday gathering had to happen. All of his pets, Charlie, Meetz, George, Brahma, Sasha, Igor, Bruno, Boots and Gus were his valued companions. He enjoyed reading historical books and could start a book in the evening and read all night to finish it. His love of shopping accumulated a unique collection of paintings, pottery, furniture, soapstone carvings, hand-blown wine glasses, jewelry for Frieda and other eclectic objects of art from Rubaiyat, too numerous to mention. Due to failing health caused by years of suffering from cluster headaches, the Yoho Tinda cottage was transferred to new owners in 2018.

Horst moved to the Academy of Aging near Fish Creek Park for Supportive Living in 2019. Here too, he scouted out many hiking trails and enjoyed the surrounding nature, wildlife, and wildflowers. Nature was his peace giver.

Horst was born in Gorlitz, Germany. He completed his apprenticeships in Germany which led to his chef career. He grew up working in the various kitchens in Europe in Nordsee Hotel, Willhelmshaven; Hotel Berlin; Hotel Quellenhof, Switzerland; Grosvenor House, London England; and The Dorice, London, England. Looking for new horizons, his skills took him to Toronto, Canada where he worked at the La Provencal and Winstons. Next, he went to Winnipeg as chef for the Horizon Room at the Winnipeg airport where he met the love of his life, Frieda Toews. When the new Vancouver airport opened, Cara Operations hired Horst to start up the airport food services operation. He packed up his budgie bird and all his possessions in his MGB, and drove to Vancouver. Frieda suggested, in his later years, that he should downsize his possessions to fit into an MGB. He moved back to Winnipeg after the Food Service at the airport was up and running. Back in Winnipeg, he took a position as Executive Chef at the CP Hotel Northstar Inn. When the Four Seasons Hotel opened in Calgary in 1974, the Rocky Mountains were calling and his friend just happened to be the food and beverage manager who knew, with one phone call, Horst would be there. Many of his fondest experiences, memories and friends came together at this 5-star hotel. Six years later, Horst struck out on his own to open the Le Gourmet Restaurant on MacLeod Trail—it was an incredibly bold step and Horst, his partners and staff took up all the daily challenges and built up a restaurant with stellar ratings on the culinary scene in Calgary.

Now “retired”, someone needed a chef in Inuvik, Northwest Territories at the MacKenzie Hotel, known for its fine dining room up north and they also catered meals to prisoners, although some meals did not make it past the guards. So, first-class dining in prison—the word got around. During this time, he gained an appreciation for northern arts adding more to his art collection. This was his mountain top of experiences, like none other.

After the northern experience, he hung up his apron, except for some interesting food service-related experiences such as a Tea House near Edmonton, Alte Liebe in Radium, event catering at the Rocky Mountain Ranch, wineries in the Okanagan, all this, while he made sure Frieda was not neglected. Mostly, he enjoyed the Yoho Tinda cottage near the Elbow River where he was in his element: visiting with the locals, building sheds and artistic structures with the neighbour, chopping wood, walking the dogs, entertaining friends, reading books, collecting art, and supporting Bragg Creek artists.

Horst had the enthusiasm and curiosity to find interesting experiences, and Frieda is forever thankful for his devotion, loyalty, and experiences along the way. Frieda was devoted to his well-being, in health for many years and in failing health for a few years. Now, it is time for Horst to rest in peace.

Horst is survived by his wife Frieda Toews, and sisters-in-law, Helen, Cathy, Elly, and Bertha. Surviving family in Germany are his brother Wolfgang (Helga) Scholz, his sister Brigitte (Fred) Kaempff, nieces and nephews, Matthias, Ruth, Christine, Johannes, Heike, Iris, and Sonya; and half-brothers, Stefan, Dieter, and Martin. He was predeceased by his sister Christa Schrodl.

We thank all those who made his journey worthwhile. Happy trails to you Horst, and may your steps always rise.

A Gathering will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial Hospitality Centre, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, September 1, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Union Cemetery. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr.  Scholz’s 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 may be shared and viewed with Horst’s family here.

In living memory of Horst Scholz, 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.

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