Obituary of Willehad Walter Fritz

October 14, 1932 – Saurau, Salzburg, Austria

January 8, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Willehad "Willy" Fritz, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024, at the age of 91 years.

Willy was born near Salzburg, Austria and came to North America in 1955 as a young man with a thirst for adventure. He was a lumberjack, mountaineer, alpinist, carpenter, hunter, fisherman, canoeist, skier, and most importantly, a husband, a father, and a grandfather.

After spending several years in eastern Canada’s logging camps as a forester, Willy moved to western Canada looking for work. He met his wife, Margaret, in Banff and they were married in 1964 in Provost, Alberta. They raised their four children in the northwest community of Thorncliffe in Calgary.

Willy was a carpenter by trade and worked on many of the high rises in downtown Calgary as a foreman. Known for his quality craftsmanship and locksmith skills, he was in his element while working with his hands. Many times, he was very proud of being the last one to leave the job site and handing the keys over to the new owners.

Adding much to the local community, Willy volunteered his time in the pursuit of sharing his passions, including creating and running the Norpine ski races in Kananaskis for many years, as well as leading trips for Scouts Canada and the Alpine Club of Canada. If you ever needed to borrow skis, a canoe, a backpack, or a tent, he was always happy to share it – along with a short seminar on how to use it.

Outdoor life was very important to Willy and whenever possible, Willy, Maggie, and their children spent their time in the nearby foothills and mountains - camping, fishing, hiking, skiing, and climbing.

Willy lived in their Thorncliffe home until 2021, when he moved to Swan Evergreen, a retirement community.

Willy is survived by his sons, Max (Shawn), Paul (Sharlene), and Hans (Jen); and his grandchildren, Sydney (Daniel), Easton, Ben, Erik, Jack, Rhoda, and Isabel. He was predeceased by his wife Maggie in 1994, and his daughter Erika in 2021.

A Memorial Service for Willy will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alpine Club of Canada, (201 Indian Flats Rd. PO Box 8040 Stn Main, Canmore, Alberta T1W 2T8), https://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/give-to-the-acc/.

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

In living memory of Willehad “Willy” Fritz, 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.