Obituary of Harald Pommerehnke

August 14, 1925 – Hamburg, Germany

January 16, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Harald Pommerehnke on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at the age of 98 years. He was born in Hamburg, Germany on August 14, 1925.

In high school Harald became fascinated with North American Indians and studied First Nations ethnography. He then worked for two years as a restorer and registrar at the Hamburg Museum for Ethnology. In 1951 he immigrated to Canada, settling in Quebec as an accountant with a construction firm. He became friends with local Cree/Ojibway First Nations and started collecting artifacts. After moving to Calgary in 1954 he was employed as landman in the oil and gas industry for sixteen years, then switched to the Life Insurance business for 32 years.

Due to his love for Natives, Harald co-founded the “Friends of the Indian’s Society” along with John Laurie, Dr. Johnson, and others. He served as treasurer until it’s dissolution. Since that time, he has been involved with the Natives of Southern Alberta, making many friends among the Blackfoot, Stoney, and Sarcee. He achieved much in his life, lending aid wherever he could. He was most happy when among his Indian friends, being accepted by them and taking part in their ceremonies. These were some of his most treasured moments.

Over the years, Harald accumulated important art and artifacts, now on display at the Blackfoot Crossing Interpretive Centre, at the Museum at Siksika and at the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa.

Harald leaves behind three daughters, Margot (John) Hamilton of Calgary, AB, Charlene Pommerehnke of Montreal, QC, and Jacqueline Pommerehnke of Vancouver, BC; one son Ronald (Diana) Pommerehnke of Bawlf, AB; his four grandchildren, Robert, and Eric (Monica) Hamilton, Raven Pommerehnke and Tabitha Dinelle; and great-grandchildren, John R. Hamilton, Soren, Lily, and Esme Pommerehnke, and Layla Dinelle Lamarre.

He is predeceased by his wives, Feodora (nee Mattos) and Ilse (nee Freese); his birth parents, Wilhelm, and Wally Wacker; adopted parents, Otto and Martha Pommerehnke; brother Richardt Wacker and sister Ursula Dordevik. He leaves behind a younger sister Wally Wacker, along with many cousins in Germany.

As per Harald’s wishes a private service will be held.

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

In living memory of Harald Pommerehnke, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.