Hermann Wegener passed away peacefully on Jan. 7th, 2012, in Chilliwack, BC.
He will be sadly missed by his children Herman Wegener, Hans (Diana) Wegener, Mary-Anne (Mike) Kaiser, and Annamarie (Ted) Douglas, as well as 6 grandchildren, Derek (Shanna), Lonie, Jonathan, Daniel, Mathew, Thao and 2 great-grandchildren.
Hermann was born Feb. 18, 1923 in Ahaus, Germany. As a young man in war-torn Germany he met Maria (nee Gerick) and with the hopes of a better life, Hermann immigrated to Canada in 1951, but promised Maria he would return.
Inspired by the beauty of the west coast, he enthusiastically returned to Germany in 1954 to convince Maria and any friends and family he could to come with him to Canada.
Hermann and Maria married in Vancouver, Sept. 19, 1955. They started their family in Powell River on the Sunshine Coast, then moved to Chilliwack in 1964, which they made their permanent home.
Herman spent most of his early (and later) working years employed by mining companies, sending him to some of the most remote, but in his eyes, beautiful areas of BC, Yukon, NWT and Ontario. In the late 60’s and early 70’s Hermann worked at CFB Chilliwack as a cook in the Sergeants Mess. Along the way he forged countless friendships, many of which lasted decades.
Hermann’s love was his family, his pleasures were the beautiful scenery, the pristine wilderness, the rugged coastline, the adventure and the life this country had to offer him. He took every opportunity to embrace it all.
Herman survived his wife Maria, whom he laid to rest in May 2011. Predeceased by his parents, 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Many thanks to the wonderful staff at Cascade Lodge, for the excellent care they provided him in his last years.
Funeral service to take place 11:00 am, Tuesday, January 17 at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Chilliwack.