Obituary of Helmut Willy Boehli

September 15, 1930 - Gochsheim, Germany

September 13, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Husband to Catharina and father to sons, Roy and Fred, father-in-law to Maureen, and Opa to Richard and Marlena, Helmut Willy Boehli of Calgary, AB passed away on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, a mere two days shy of his 93rd Birthday. His body now tired had decided it was time to rest.

Born September 15, 1930, in Gochsheim, Germany to Karl and Frieda Böhli, he was the firstborn to be followed by brothers, Walter and Roland, and sister Traudle. The beginning of life was not easy having been born during the 1930s economic collapse and the subsequent effects of WWII growing up in Wiesloch. In the post-war, he completed his trade school apprenticeship in the printing trade. Yet he retained a sense of adventure and resilience leaving his homeland in 1951 for the opportunity to work in Canada. He arrived on a Liberty ship in Montreal and headed west. Needing time to master the English language for his chosen trade, he worked in both Lumber Camps and Prairie Farms as he tried to acclimate to Canadian life. With language skills mastered, he worked with lead type in the composing room first for the Calgary Albertan, and then The Calgary Herald until his retirement. His view of life was deeply rooted in the practical and pragmatic for which he was often misunderstood. But loyalty, honour, and responsibility towards his family which he never shrugged were by far his strongest attributes. He will be missed and remembered.

A Gathering to pay respects will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. In living memory of Helmut Boehli, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Helmut’s family here.