Obituary for Gottfried Gerhard Adler
In loving memory of Gottfried Gerhard (Gerry) Adler on December 19, 2022, at Finlandia Village, at the age of 96 years. Devoted husband to Hildegard Adler (predeceased 2020) for 67 years. Loving father to Helga Leblanc and Walter Adler (wife Linda was like another daughter). Cherished Opa to Andrea Fechner (James), Stephen Leblanc (predeceased 2013) (Ellie), James Adler (Lisa), and Kevin Adler. His great-grandchildren gave him joy and amusement. He loved family get togethers where he could watch Devin, Ben, Hannah, Hunter, Ella and Ryan and his great-great-granddaughter Alexie interact.
Gerhard was born in Graz, Austria, on July 18, 1926. He immigrated to Canada in 1953 to provide his family a better life. After securing a job at INCO and an apartment, he sent for his family who arrived a year later.
He trained as a diesel mechanic in Austria, and it was that capacity that he eventually became a Foreman at Little Stobie Mine.
He was a hard worker and known as Mr. Fix-It, for it seemed that no job was too big or small for him to handle. He believed that travelling was part of education, so the family progressed from a tent to a tent trailer, to a camper, and then a motor home as they travelled from coast to coast. In later years, trips back to Austria were included.
He also helped others in his quiet, unassuming way. He was often called in to the Red Cross when his universal blood type was needed, or he sent parcels and medicines to an impoverished town in Poland.
For 10 years of his life, he was a loving and dedicated caregiver for his adored wife, ensuring that all her needs were met. Later they shared a room at Finlandia. Mom died two years ago, and he has been waiting to join her. His legacy is one of love.
We thank the entire staff at Finlandia for the kindness, care and respect shown.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Elgin Street Mission or the Finlandia Foundation would be appreciated.
Funeral Service in the Lougheed Funeral Home Hanmer/Capreol Chapel, 4605 Michelle Drive, Hanmer, Monday, January 2, 2023, at 12:30pm. (Friends may gather after 11:30am, Monday, January 2).
Cremation at the Park Lawn Crematorium.
Gerhard was born in Graz, Austria, on July 18, 1926. He immigrated to Canada in 1953 to provide his family a better life. After securing a job at INCO and an apartment, he sent for his family who arrived a year later.
He trained as a diesel mechanic in Austria, and it was that capacity that he eventually became a Foreman at Little Stobie Mine.
He was a hard worker and known as Mr. Fix-It, for it seemed that no job was too big or small for him to handle. He believed that travelling was part of education, so the family progressed from a tent to a tent trailer, to a camper, and then a motor home as they travelled from coast to coast. In later years, trips back to Austria were included.
He also helped others in his quiet, unassuming way. He was often called in to the Red Cross when his universal blood type was needed, or he sent parcels and medicines to an impoverished town in Poland.
For 10 years of his life, he was a loving and dedicated caregiver for his adored wife, ensuring that all her needs were met. Later they shared a room at Finlandia. Mom died two years ago, and he has been waiting to join her. His legacy is one of love.
We thank the entire staff at Finlandia for the kindness, care and respect shown.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Elgin Street Mission or the Finlandia Foundation would be appreciated.
Funeral Service in the Lougheed Funeral Home Hanmer/Capreol Chapel, 4605 Michelle Drive, Hanmer, Monday, January 2, 2023, at 12:30pm. (Friends may gather after 11:30am, Monday, January 2).
Cremation at the Park Lawn Crematorium.