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Light a Candle
Emil was born at the end of the depression and was orphaned at a young age. He talked of working 14 hour days for food to eat.
Despite hardship, Emil was always in a happy mood. He had an infectious laugh and was always making jokes. It did not matter how difficult things were, he always had a smile on his face and laughter in his heart.
Emil came to Canada and worked as a painter in many places to earn a living and create a life – finally settling in Edmonton working as a painter for the Government of Alberta for over 30 years.
He went home to visit friends and family and brought Herta to Canada and they were married and had 2 sons – Norbert and Colin.
A devout Catholic, Emil loved church and singing in the choir. Emil loved being outside and could always be found in the garden or yard – working on some kind of project, or helping something grow. He and Herta loved nature and spent many years on their acreage just outside Edmonton.
Emil was a fighter and loved his family. He spent his last years fighting dementia. His last thoughts were of his wife Herta who passed away 12 days before. Herta spent every day wanting to go back to work at the U of A hospital. Emil spent his last days on Herta’s old hospital unit – his bed was 10 feet away from her workstation where he passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Emil is survived by his son’s Norbert and Colin, and his homecare aid Nicol.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta or your local Alzheimer’s/Dementia foundation of choice.
