Obituary of Wilhelm Augustin Willi MAIER

September 21, 1930 – January 29, 2012 Willi passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2012, at home in the arms of his loving wife, after a brief battle with cancer. Willi was born, raised and educated in Oestringen, Germany, immigrating to Canada, “the land of his dreams,” in 1955 and eventually settled in Calgary. After receiving his Canadian citizenship, Willi returned to Germany with hopes of finding a bride. He didn’t need to look for too long or far, falling in love with the little sister of his dearest friend Reinhard Habich. After a four week courtship, Willi married Frances Habich. Together, they returned to Calgary and welcomed sons Ralph in 1962 and Michael in 1964. Willi was a dedicated employee of Canadian Freightways, during which time he received numerous accolades, including an award for two million miles of accident-free driving. He retired after thirty years, at the age of 62. During their retirement, Willi and Frances enjoyed many trips to Germany, Maui, Oregon and the West Coast of BC. They spent many glorious afternoons hiking, having lunch in the mountains and enjoying each other’s company. Willi was a devoted husband, a loving father, the best “Opa” for Christopher and everyone’s favorite neighbor. Willi also enjoyed regular workouts with his friends at the YMCA. Willi managed his brief battle with cancer with courage, dignity and his ever-present sense of humor. Willi was grateful for every day and said that the last years of his life were truly his golden years. Willi is survived by his wife of fifty-one years Frances; sons Ralph and Michael; daughter-in-law Katrin; and his grandson Christopher. He is also survived by his niece Hildegard and nephew Wolfgang of Germany, and niece Sister Eva Maria of Brazil. He was predeceased by his parents Wilhelm and Julianna and brother Kurt. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Fish Creek Chapel (14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Thursday, February 2, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Boniface German Catholic Church (1923 Broadview Road N.W.) on Friday, February 3, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: 1 (866) 412-4222. www.albertacancer.ca/memorial. Our heartfelt thanks go to Dr. Chris Ayers, the Homecare Team, the PleurX Team, and the Tom Baker Cancer Centre for their compassionate care and dedication. We also wish to thank our wonderful friends and neighbors for their support. In living memory of Willi Maier, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.