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HANNIG, Erwin Dietrich (Opa)

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HANNIG Erwin web

Erwin Dietrich Hannig (Opa)

June 14th, 1933 - May 24th, 2022

88 Years of Life

The family of Erwin Dietrich Hannig from Vimy, Alberta is deeply saddened to announce his peaceful passing on May 24, 2022, at the age of 88 years. Erwin was born on June 14th, 1933 in Waldenburg, Silesia (Germany); he was the second eldest of five children born to Gerda and Erich Hannig.

He is survived by his siblings residing in Bremen, Germany; Walter, Gerhard, Martin, and Karl; Erwin is predeceased by his parents.

In his youth and early adult years, Erwin and his family relocated to Bremen, Germany after WWII; Erwin studied carpentry, he became a skilled carpenter and specialized in cabinet making.

In the Spring of 1953, Erwin departed from Germany and immigrated to Canada in hopes of building a new life. Upon his arrival to Canada, Erwin participated in a Farming Work Program, at a farm in Legal, AB; which formed his true passion of farming. Being a skilled carpenter and cabinet maker, his skills were in high demand, and he worked throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon. He later decided to return to this passion for nature and solitude; in 1956, creating Hannig Farms, or as he called it, “Morning Star Ranch”, located east of Vimy, AB; where he farmed until his passing. He focused his farming on Charolais cattle, Appaloosa horses, and selling gravel.

Erwin is survived by the love of his life Doris; Erwin and Doris met where he loved being most of all, in nature on the farm. Erwin often reminisced that from the moment he saw her, he instantly knew that Doris was the one he was going to marry; they wed on February 3rd, 1962. Doris and Erwin farmed together and created a home for their five children; Josephine (Kevin), Alexander (Ellen), Albert, Max, and Emily (Pete). In his passing and older years, Doris devoted her efforts to ensure his comfort and care. Erwin and Doris remained close and supportive of one another, even during life’s various complexities. Erwin will be deeply missed by his seven grandchildren; William, Kayly, Kristin, Jasmine, Sarah, Tyler and Justin.

He was passionate about debating, self-advocacy and maintained strength within his convictions. Never shy to pursue new challenges, even trying his hand at politics running for the Social Credit Party in 1979 within the Redwater-Andrew Constituency. Though unsuccessful his passion shifted to the WCC, as he always had a deep attachment to Alberta and how it fit into confederation.

Within the Westlock Community, Erwin was well-known for his humour, quick-wit, passion for collecting various items, and individualism. Erwin shared numerous stories of his accounts with the various farmers and friends who helped him during his journey; his jovial accounts were great entertainment. Deeply missed and unconditionally loved by his close family members; Erwin enjoyed living on his farm and spending time in nature with his beloved animals.

Funeral Ceremony
Westlock Funeral Chapel Friday, June 3rd, 2022 at 1:00 PM

10004 -105 Street, Westlock, Alberta

Celebration of Erwin’s 88 Years of Life Memorial Hall
Friday, June 3rd, 2022 at 2:30 PM

9903 106 Street, Westlock, Alberta

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family by visiting westlockfuneralhome.com.

Westlock Funeral Home & Crematorium Ltd.

780-349-3474

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