Obituary of Herbert Thomas PRITCHARD

1916- Calgary, Alberta 2013 – Calgary, Alberta A PROUD CALGARIAN Herbert Pritchard passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at the age of 96. Herb was born and spent his formative years in Calgary. As a young man Herb taught in country schools in Turner Valley & Delia, Alberta. After meeting his wife Roberta “Bobby”, also a teacher, they settled in Calgary. His career was interrupted when the country went to war. Herb was proud to serve in the RCAF overseas in WWII, and was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion and Air Force Association. After the war Herb continued his involvement by working many summers in the Cadet Camp in Banff where he was in charge of all civilian personnel. Herb returned to post secondary school at the University of Alberta and once he had completed a Bachelor of Education degree, he continued his teaching career in Calgary. Herb was a gifted teacher who loved the children he taught. Herb was the Principal of Hillhurst School and later transferred to Banff Trail where at age 58 he retired. Although Herb was interested in all life had to offer, he was passionate about his lapidary hobby and also the practice of hypnosis. He was an active member in both the Calgary Lapidary Club and the Alberta Hypnosis Society. Retirement brought adventures. Herb and Bobby traveled the world, spent winters in the south, and summers visiting family near and far, living life to the fullest. Herb taught classes at the Kirby Centre, volunteered for Tuesday night Bingo at the Legion Branch 264, noodled for dinosaur bones in Drumheller, spent Saturday mornings at garage sales, and loved to work in his workshop. Herb worked as a volunteer for the Calgary Stampede for many years and this was a perfect fit for this proud Calgarian. It gave him great pleasure to talk to visitors about the city he loved so much. He was an avid reader and read everything Louis L’Amour wrote, at least twice. Herb touched the lives of all he met and will be remembered for the joy he found in his children and grandchildren, his intelligent conversation, his gentle manner and good humour. Herb leaves behind his four children Eleanor, Ginny (Cal), Laurie and Bill (Sue) who will all miss him dearly. Herb also leaves behind eight grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren. He is survived by his brother Roy Pritchard of Edmonton, Alberta. Predeceased by his wife of 71 years Roberta, his daughter Vicky and grandchildren Troy Mae Hoines and Dean Hoines. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at the Colonel Belcher Veterans’ Care Facility for the compassion, kindness and caring they provided to Dad. The family would also like to thank family friends, Sharon, Jack, Murray & Roger for their friendship, support and caring visits to Dad. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. When I die, remember that what you knew of me is with you always. What is buried is only the shell of what was. Do not regret the shell, but remember the man. Remember the father. Remember the friend. Last of the Breed Louis L’Amour In living memory of Herbert Pritchard, 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.