Obituary of Armin Valentin WEIFFENBACH

WEIFFENBACH, Armin Valentin January 13, 1928 – Duisburg,Germany August 10, 2016 – Calgary, Alberta Armin Weiffenbach, beloved husband of Isolin Ella Weiffenbach (nee Garel) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at the age of 88 years. Armin was born January 13, 1928 in the town of Duisburg Nordhein-Westfalen Germany. He was the only child to Valentin and Anne Weiffenbach, who took care he received a good quality education. Armin excelled in grade school, especially loving history and linguistics. Following grade school Armin earned post secondary education in International Business Management despite the interruption of WWII. When the war ended, Armin found professional employment in Municipal Administration with The Town of Duisburg. His role included translating German/English, and trips to London, England were provided to hone English language skills and to learn British business administration systems. Hence Armin had great opportunity to pursue his fascination with England and the English language. While in London staying at Peace Haven, International Friendship Center, Armin met and became smitten with Isolin Ella Garel from Kingston Jamaica. In 1954 the adventurous young couple immigrated to Canada and married in Hamilton, Ontario. Armin supported them by serving in the Canadian Armed Forces Medical Corps. He often reflected on the irony given his conscripted service as a youth in the German Army. By 1955 Armin and Lyn moved to Calgary, Alberta, and started raising a family. Armin became the Manager of Finance and Administration, for the Parks/Recreation Department with The City of Calgary. His career spanned 35 years, culminating with the fitting role (given his love of history), Manager of Finance, for Heritage Park. With children grown, Armin and Lyn became enthusiastic long standing members of The Rose ‘n Thorns Square Dance Club and The Seniors Outdoor Club of Calgary. Weekly dances, mountain hikes and cross country skiing brought much joy and many meaningful friendships. This became even more important when Dad sadly lost Mum to cancer in 2005. He learned to carry on by hiking even more, and joined the Evergreen Senior’s Outdoor Club. Additionally, Dad found joy singing as a tenor, in his native German tongue with The Austrian Choir, Heimatecho (Echo from the Home Land). And for several years he enjoyed square dancing with Vivian, a friend and fellow member of The Prairie Winds Square Dance Club. By now, club members had become like family, appreciating Dad’s humor and passionate energy to hike, ski, square dance and sing. Dad was also able to enjoy and come to know his three great grandchildren of Airdrie. Sadly, Alzheimer’s Disease battled against Dad in his latter years, slowly stealing his chosen lifestyle. His will to live and live strongly prevailed to his decided last breath. Dad will be missed by many, and his strength of spirit will be treasured. I am joyous that my parents Armin and Lyn are now reunited – As penned by his daughter Miranda. Armin is survived by his daughter Miranda (Mark)Johns of Calgary, grandson David (Rachel)Johns and great grandchildren, Isabel, Benjamin and Noah Johns all of Airdrie; son Andrew and grandson Hunter of Seattle. A Celebration of Armin’s Life will take place at 1:30 pm on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at St. David’s United Church (3303 Capitol Hill Crescent NW, Calgary). If friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, Suite 201, 222 – 58th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2S3, Telephone:(403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Armin Weiffenbach, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, Telephone: 403-276-2296.