Obituary of René Mateo Scherpenisse

February 24, 1931 - Temuco, Chile

February 2, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

René passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024, at the age of 92 years. He was born in Temuco, Chile, on February 24, 1931. He graduated from the Instituto Comercial de Temuco in 1949 and went on to obtain a Certificate in Fruit Tree Farming and Orchard Care in El Vergel, Angol, Chile, in 1954.

Throughout his life, René held various jobs, but his most notable was being promoted as the Director of Fruit Tree Farming at El Vergel at the young age of 27.

After immigrating to Canada, René worked in construction for Neonex before settling into his final job with the Calgary Housing Company, where he worked in maintenance until his retirement in 1987. Even in retirement, René continued to work part-time, assisting a friend with yard maintenance during the warmer months. In the winter, he enjoyed travelling to visit family in the USA and Chile.

René had a passion for all outdoor activities, but his favourites included vegetable and flower gardening, going for long walks, picnics, and swimming. He also loved spending time with family and friends, passing down his knowledge of planting trees and growing vegetables and flowers to each generation.

As a young man, René had pen pals from all over the world, which sparked his interest in collecting stamps and coins. During his vacations, he loved to explore new places, such as taking a train up to Arica, Chile, and travelling by cargo ship to Punta Arenas, before returning home to Temuco. He also cherished family camping trips by the lake in both Chile and Canada, where the family would spend the days swimming, taking long walks, and enjoying picnics.

René is survived by his beloved common-law wife Rita Canales, his son Cesar, and two daughters, Marlene and Erika. He also leaves behind three grandchildren, Andrea (Nick), Katherine (Ryan), and Stephanie (Hunter); three great-grandchildren, Claire, Theodore, and Barrett; as well as two brothers, Fernando Raul (Laura) and Cornelio. He was predeceased by his wife Lucia, and his mother Teodora, father Guillermo, and his brother Guillermo.

He will always be remembered by his family, friends, and those who knew him for his hard work, love of the outdoors, and passion for growing tomatoes. Rest in peace, René. You will be dearly missed, but forever in our hearts.

A Celebration of René’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with René’s family here.

In living memory of René Scherpenisse, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.