KALAU, Albin

KALAU, Albin June 13, 1933 – July 18, 2025 After a valiant battle with cancer, dementia, and arthritis, Al passed away on Friday, July 18, 2025, with his hand being held by his wife, Shirley, of 36 years.
Al spent his childhood enduring WWII, which forced him to grow up faster than a child should. To survive the war, he helped support his German farm family and community by fishing and hunting.
While Germany was still closed in by the Berlin Wall, the 3 Kalau Brothers (Alex, Simon, and Albin) escaped Germany in 1951 by riding the Berlin Subway, going round and round through the border crossings, harassing the guards until the guards were so used to them, they no longer cared to reprocess the documentation.
The three bothers jumped off in West Berlin, with nothing but the clothing on their backs, and joined their parents whom were already out of the Country on a Travel Permit.
Since coming to Canada, Al was able to establish a strong, successful base in the Coutts community- creating friendships and bonds that have lasted until his passing. The experiences of his past and the memories, made him the supportive, caring man we knew and loved.
Albin did a lot of things in his life, from boxing to dynamiting – he was a jack of all trades. This served him well when he bought his land in Coutts and created his farm legacy. He was able to fix just about anything.
The community knew that they could come to Al for any of their problems, big or small, and he would be there to help.
Al was predeceased by his parents, Martha & Adolf Kalau; as well as his brothers, Alexander (Irma), and Simon (Elsie).
His memory will be cherished by his wife, Shirley; his eldest daughter, Barb (Rob) Hoytos, his twin daughters, Sharon & Shirley; as well as his son, Martin; his extended family, step-daughters, Pam (Gim), and Debbie (Thor); grandchildren, Jeff (Danielle), Brad (Bailey), Thomas, Kayla (Nolan), Isabelle (Clayton), Cecilia, Hannah, and Shalayna; along with numerous great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, and other family members.
The family would like to thank the team at St. Therese Villa for all their wonderful care and support.
A cremation has taken place. For those who wish, a Celebration of Albin’s Life will take place between 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at the Coutts Civic Centre, in Coutts, Alberta. A private family interment will take place in Holy Angels Community Cemetery.
To share condolences, please visit www.evergreenfh.ca