Obituary of John Milton Achen

John “Milton” Achen of Calgary passed away suddenly at home on Sunday, December 21, 2003 at the age of 79 years. Milt moved to Calgary in 1997 from Saskatoon, SK to be closer to his family. He lived in Saskatchewan most of his life and had a lengthy career traveling with the Government of Saskatchewan Highway Traffic Board. Milt was proudly a World War II veteran of the Royal Canadian Navy, having served aboard the “H.M.S. Buckingham,” which included the taking and surrendering of the first German submarine in Canadian waters. He loved to travel. Milt’s most memorable trips included Portugal, Costa Rica and Africa. Most of all, he enjoyed meeting people. No matter where he went, Milt managed to meet somebody who knew somebody from Saskatchewan. His baritone voice, wry sense of humor and passion for debate drew much attention at social gatherings. For this Milt will be remembered by his many peers and companions at Dana Village and most recently the Seniors’ Residence at the Colonel Belcher. Milt was the eldest of the late Mathias and Rose (nee Kappel) Achen and is survived by his children and their families: his youngest and only son Todd, wife Kathy and children, Dylan and Janine; middle daughter Terry-Lee Betschart, husband Herb and son Alexander; and eldest, daughter Deborah Achen and husband Perry Lebioda. Although he lived apart from his wife, June Patricia (Pat), the family was able to spend many special occasions together because they all reside in Calgary. Milt is also survived by his younger siblings and their families: Doreen (Carew) O’Grady of Lloydminster, Richard (Vi) Achen and Don (Mona) Achen of Saskatoon. He also leaves his good friend and social companion Audrey Crowe of Calgary, with whom he shared many laughs. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.), on Monday, December 29, 2003 at 2:30 P.M. To forward condolences go to www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Cardiac Function Clinic, Foothills Hospital, 1403 – 29th Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1. Telephone: (403) 220-8300. Milt’s children would like to thank all the health care providers who patiently and kindly helped improve their dad’s quality of life while heart and kidney disease took their toll, including Dr. Wilkin and his staff, Dr. Scott-Douglas and his team at the Renal Clinic and especially Dr. Michael Curtis and his nurse practitioners, Tracy, Tannis and Julie, at the Cardiac Function Clinic. In living memory of Milton Achen, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W., CALGARY, AB T2S 2L5 TELEPHONE: (403) 243-8200.