Obituary of Delbert Conrad Diehl

March 30, 1935 – Calder, Saskatchewan

February 10, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Del Diehl beloved husband of Colleen, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the age of 88 years.

Del was born in Calder, SK, in 1935. In 1960 and 1964 he became the proud father of Dwayne and Anna (Tracey). He moved the family to Calgary, AB, in about 1967.

Del spent 35 years as a devoted realtor in Calgary, AB. He built hundreds of loyal clients who loved his enthusiasm, but not so much his driving. Many of his clients became close friends. He fulfilled a dream when he built two houses acting as the general contractor.

Del and Colleen met at work in 1980, started dating in 1981, fell in love and married in 1988. They have had a loving, supportive and beautiful marriage for 36 years.

Besides his loving wife, Del is survived by his son Dwayne, his daughter Anna (Tracey), stepdaughters, Donna (Ed) and Wanda; grandchildren, Max (Lorelle), Cassidy (Auston), Tatum, Keegan, Jackson, Douglas (Shayla), Rion (Taya), and Mason; and great-grandson Ryker. Del is also survived by his nieces, Kathy, Debbie (Ted), Karen (Cam), Arlene (Bob), and Jody; and nephew Donald (Heather).

Del was predeceased by his mother Wilhelmina, his father Alexander, his brothers Alvin and Donald, sister-in-law Donna, nephew Murray and niece Jackie.

This was Del and why so many people loved him:

• Del was usually happy, cheerful, and full of laughter.
• We all will remember Del’s loud, booming, joyful laugh and his powerful, deep baritone voice.
• Del loved and was devoted to his family. He loved to tease, hug, listen, give advice, tell stories, and hear about other’s triumphs and struggles. He was only a telephone call away and made many trips to Saskatchewan and Vancouver.
• Del could talk to anyone…and he did.
• Del was a loyal, caring friend—he always said “in order to make a friend you need to be a friend” —and he was and therefore he had many friends!
• Del loved food! And every type of food—German, Ukrainian, Chinese, Indian…He was fun to cook for! Many of us remember his heaping plates…how could he fit that much on one plate!
• Willy Nelson, Nana Mouskouri, Allen Jackson, Johnny Cash, the Bellany Brothers, George Jones, Tom T. Hall…Del loved them all. And by the way, Del could sing with the best of them! His favorite song the last few years was “The Older I Get” by Alan Jackson. Listen to it sometime and think of Del.
• Del was a favorite dance partner for many. He was an amazing lead—waltz, jive, polka, two-step.
• Del loved and was meticulous about well polished and buffed shoes.
• Del’s grandchildren were always met with his undivided attention, his love, and lots of fun.
• Del had a strong faith in God. For the last three years Del has said “God has been good to me. I have had a good long life and I’m ready to go”. His church was important, and he always attended Sunday morning…even after a late Saturday night.

The family thanks the staff at the Rocky View Hospital, Fanning Centre, and Providence Care Home for the wonderful care Del received during the last year.

A Memorial Service will be held at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (13811 Deer Ridge Dr. SE Calgary, AB), on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to a charity of your choice.

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

In living memory of Delbert Conrad Diehl, 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.