HEINZ TRAICHEL

February 16, 1940 – August 2, 2020

It is with heavy hearts the family of Heinz Traichel wish to announce his sudden passing while visiting Germany on Sunday, August 2, 2020 at the age of 80 years.

Heinz is survived by the beloved mother and grandmother of their children and grandchildren, Lydia Traichel. He also leaves to cherish his memory Karen (Gary) Botter and their children, Jennifer, Lindsey, and Nathan; Anita (Kelly) Reid and their children, Harrison and Karliana; Sandra Traichel (fiancé, Zachary Mauch); Stephan Traichel; Mark Traichel and his children Julia, Carmen, Anika, James and their mother Gwen Traichel (Mark’s partner Kate Grimsdale and her son Karter); sister Brunhilde “Bruni” (Art) Schlenker; sister-in-law Frieda Freitag, brothers-in-law Gus (Doris) Stojke and Herb Stojke (Julie Hrup) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Rudolf and Emma Traichel; sisters-in-law Marg Stojke and Irene Stojke. Heinz was born in Brienne, Bessarabia (Romania) on Feb 16, 1940. The family was resettled to Poland from 1940 – 1943 due to WWII and eventually settled in southern Germany. It was here that Heinz saw a blacksmith and knew as a young lad that his ambition was to work with steel. In 1956, the family immigrated to Canada and bought a mixed farm where he worked many evenings and weekends. He shared that he was one of the youngest fellows to start his apprenticeship at the age of 16 and received his welding certification at the age of 20. Following this he was employed at SF Scott Manufacturing and Northwest Nitro. In 1962, Heinz married Lydia and together they raised five children on an acreage while running a business, farm and many other business ventures. He taught us all with perseverance and determination that we could accomplish anything we set our mind to. Wonderful memories were made on many family vacations going boating, camping and being fortunate to share his love for travel in both Europe and North America. In 1968, Heinz fulfilled his lifelong dream and ambition to be an entrepreneur and owned and operated Gas City Welding, then Gas City Truck Body Equipment Ltd. and later Gas City Metals and Recycling Ltd. Being in business suited his independent, determined and positive nature. He developed and maintained many good business relations as well as friendships with his employees and the wider community of Medicine Hat and Cypress County over the course of 50 years in business. Heinz also enjoyed the ring of the auctioneers gavel both as a buyer and seller of equipment which developed a lifelong friendship with Jim Schlenker of Schlenker Auction Service. Heinz lived his life to the fullest and never let his age dampen his enthusiasm for enjoying life and taking risks. He shared his enjoyment of boating, water and snow skiing, parasailing, and his passion for motorbikes, planes and antique cars with family and friends. In addition, he was always generous with his time and resources to help those down on their luck, as well as the local church, community association and others. Heinz will be affectionately remembered for his appreciation for a good laugh and a joke – especially his own! This usually involved a quotable quote in German which dad would share with those of us who understood German…Das Leben ist schön und teuer. Mann kann es auch billiger machen aber dann ist es nicht mehr so schön. Dad, we hope you enjoy your last ride in the Caddy! Due to COVID restrictions both the funeral service and celebration of life are by invitation only. The funeral service will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Saturday, August 29, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Mike Leist officiating. Private family interment will follow at Little Plume Church Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held thereafter at Kin Coulee Park from 2 – 4 p.m. Should you wish to attend please reach out to Karen at 425-984-3819 or at kbbotter@outlook.com. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 www.cooksouthland.com “Locally owned & directed”