ERVIN HENRY BOETTCHER
Ervin (Erv) Boettcher of Calgary, Alberta, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at the age of 80 years old.
Erv was born June 3,1939 on his parents’ (Marie and Henry Boettcher) farm 20 miles south of Hanna, Alberta, where he lived with his 5 brothers and 1 sister. Two years later sister number 2 was added.
Erv married Maxine Jacobson 56 years ago at Centre Street Church (which they still attend) and together they had a daughter Kimberly (Russ Davidson) of Calgary and a son Dean (Amanda) of Gibsons, BC. Grandpa will also be missed by granddaughter, Ashley (James Gosteli); grandsons Kai (Rocole), Robyn, Sam and Taylor. There are also his precious 3 great grandchildren, Liam, Aryanna and Indiana.
Erv is also survived by brothers, John (Liz) of Trenton, ON; Emil (Erma); sister Elsie Bowe (Wally) and sister-in-law Frieda Boettcher all of Calgary along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Henry and Marie Boettcher; brothers Albert, Dan, Helmut and sister Lillian.
Erv attended Parr School not far from the family farm. In 1951 after the “big blizzard” Henry, Marie and family came to Calgary. Dan stayed on the farm, Albert was in Three Hills and John went into the Air Force.
Erv went to Balmoral School, then to Crescent Heights High School where he attended grade 10 for two months. Erv was ambitious and got a job right away delivering pop (Orange Crush). He also worked for the CPR and delivered mail for Charley Schneider. Then on May 3, 1963 joined the Calgary Fire Department where he spent the next 30 years, retiring in July 1993. Erv worked hard on days off delivering furniture for Alberta Furniture and had a mail truck with his cousin Jim Stankevich delivering special delivery letters and parcels.
Over the years, Erv and Maxine made many miles travelling across Canada and the United State, visiting almost every state and major city.
Erv enjoyed many hours motorbiking and snowmobiling with family and his fire-fighter friends. We all believe he had the cleanest cars and trucks and the greenest manicured lawn on Motherwell Road.
Erv endured many years of arthritis which was crippling his body and was finding it very difficult to get around. In May of 2018 he had to go on home oxygen. Then on December 12, 2018 having trouble breathing had to go to the Peter Lougheed Hospital. It was then that he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). The hematologist told us life will be short; however, with chemo he could have another 6-8 months, which he opted to try. Erv responded well to the chemo being one of the 4% of people to achieve this effectiveness, and actually living to 13 months. On Saturday, February 15, while at home he just closed his eyes and passed away. Now he is at peace, free of enduring his afflictions.
A Service to remember and celebrate Erv’s life will be held at Choice Memorial (102, 4715 – 13 Street NE, Calgary, AB) on Sunday, March 1, 2020 at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family would invite donations that may be made in Ervin’s memory to
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, Prairie Region or by mail to: #316, 1212 – 31 Avenue NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 7S8.
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Erv, please visit www.choicememorial.com.