Obituary of Alfred Heschl

April 22, 1931 – Fox Valley, Saskatchewan

December 18, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Alfred Heschl, beloved husband of Edith Pearl Heschl (née Scabar) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the age of 93 years. 

How do you squeeze a lifetime of memories onto a page of words? You try for the highlights but always miss important pieces. So here is our imperfect attempt to capture our dad’s essence. 

Alfred came from humble beginnings, one of five children living and working on a farm in Fox Valley, SK. His parents, Franz and Maria, were hardworking immigrants from Austria, looking for a safer, better life in Canada. From them, he learned the value of quality work, a dollar well-earned, and a dollar well-spent. We’ll never forget shoe shopping for “serviceable” footwear. 

Al and Edie met at a barn dance. The story goes, she saw him across the room and decided that the only quick way to corral him was to ask the band for a “ladies’ choice” dance—and off she ran across the barn floor to ask him for a dance. Mom’s spontaneity was very good for Dad’s stalwart character. Three months after their first dance, they were planning their marriage.

A year after the wedding, their first child Allan, blessed their lives. A year after him, another blessing, Debbie joined the family. And oops—three years later along came Colleen, who proved to be a blessing later in life. 

Dad was an excellent provider and thus took work very seriously—hence the four pages of work-related information he provided when he decided to help write his eulogy about a year ago. After looking at the lists of work assignments, the question begged to be asked, “Dad, what about your friends? Why are you only talking about a life filled with work?” Dad’s answer was, “Well, if I forget a job posting, it really doesn’t matter, but if I forget to mention a friend, it would be horrible!”

So, without mentioning names: To all of Al’s friends, and family; you enriched his life and brought him great comfort and joy (not to mention extra nickels in his money bag).

To return to the topic of work: Al was known for his incredible work ethic, and he often told us, “If a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing well.” He must have acquired that after grade school because it was reported that his math scribbler was filled with pictures and doodles instead of math problems. Maybe the schoolwork just wasn’t difficult enough for him; he did go on to become a very accomplished accountant and auditor for Shell Canada. 

After retirement, Al and Edie, then better known as Dad and Mom, travelled extensively. They loved exploring places they had only dreamt of when they were busy raising their family. They even found a way to bring together both travel and family by generously giving their children and grandchildren family trips to exotic locales such as Jamaica and Mexico. The only stipulation was that we all had to be together for “Happy Hour” and dinner. Dad truly enjoyed being around people. He loved sharing ideas, jokes, and comradery. He was not outwardly demonstrative, but you always knew you were loved and cared for.  

The picture of Dad’s life would not be complete without mentioning his love of learning (anything and everything), his ability to be comfortable around all people (even in New York), his ability to see both sides in an argument (after he calmed down), and his ability to never hold a grudge (even after he’d been angry, and time had passed). Dad was extremely smart and strong in will and character. He quietly volunteered his time in various organizations and with his family, doing the things that needed to be done, never expecting praise or accolades. Dad will be greatly missed.  

Please add to and help fill in Al’s story with your own memories, thoughts and pictures in the guestbook section here. We would love to share these little pieces of our dad with all his friends and family, and anyone who knew him. 

Instead of flowers, food, or any other wonderful gift for the family that you may come up with, we ask that you please donate your support to your favourite charity, or do an unexpected, unsolicited act of kindness for someone who needs it. Share a story or a joke with your loved ones, and remember, attendance at “Happy Hour” is mandatory. 

In living memory of Alfred Heschl, 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.