HORST FANDREY

HORST FANDREY July 2nd, 1938 August 20th, 2026
Following a long and difficult year with esophageal cancer and acute heart failure, our beloved husband and father, Horst Fandrey, at the age of 88, on August 20, 2026, was set free to go HOME. Before this past year, Horst had been blessed with a lifetime of excellent health and vitality.
Horst was born on July 2, 1938, in Poland, the eldest son of parents, Waldemar and Amanda Fandrey, and siblings: sister, Ilse Fandrey (predeceased) and brother, Heinz (Margaret) Fandrey.
In 1951 Horst, Waldemar, Amanda, Ilse and Heinz immigrated to Canada and settled in Medicine Hat, AB. They joined Horst’s uncle, Otto Fandrey, wife, Alma, and daughter, Gerda in Medicine Hat, AB.
After high school graduation, Horst worked at Eaton’s department store and Goodyear Tire in Medicine Hat, AB.
At a social function in 1961, he met his future wife, Kirsten Jacobsen from Duchess, AB, and they married in 1962. A highlight in Horst’s life was when he and Kirsten welcomed their identical twin daughters, Karen and Christel to the family in 1964. They were his pride and joy.
Horst’s education and employment path included taking a business office machine repair course at NAIT in Edmonton, AB and then obtaining employment in Penticton, BC. In 1970, Horst and his family moved to Calgary, AB, where he worked as a contract drapery installer and earned a reputation for providing superb workmanship. In 1980, he and his family moved to Kelowna, BC where he initially took up construction, sales and volunteer work as a driver for a seniors’ center. At the age of 46, he completed an LPN course at Okanagan College and then gained employment at Cottonwoods Care Centre and the Kelowna General Hospital until his retirement in 1999. In 2006, Horst and his wife, Kirsten moved back to Medicine Hat and have enjoyed it since. He continued his volunteer work at seniors’ centers during social events and enjoyed spending time with so many.
Horst enjoyed taking road trips with his wife, Kirsten in their built-out van to Newfoundland, Alaska, Inuvik, Acapulco and Mexico City and many places in between.
His travel adventures also included taking cruises along the Mexican Riviera with his wife, western Caribbean with his family, and later to South America from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to Valparaiso, Chile with his daughters.
In his younger years, Horst enjoyed spending time with his twin daughters, Karen and Christel downhill skiing, water skiing, roller skating, ice skating, motorbike riding and horseback riding, etc.
Horst’s hobbies included earning his private pilot’s licence in Kelowna, BC. He spent many hours in the sky enjoying the scenery of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding mountains. He also took many houseboat trips on Okanagan Lake with family and friends.
He greatly enjoyed travelling around western Canada on his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle which he later converted to a trike with self-built tent trailer.
Horst will be especially remembered for his handyman skills and creative ingenuity with repairs around the house helping out family when needed. He will also be fondly remembered for his volunteer work in Kelowna, BC, and Medicine Hat, AB.
Horst had warm memories of visiting his mother-in-law, Vera Jacobsen at her acreage in Duchess, AB; she was a very kind, supportive and generous lady. So many fun-filled visits were made there with relatives and friends over the years.
Throughout his journey of 88 years, Horst touched many lives with his great sense of humour, caring heart, helpfulness and loyal dedication to his family and friends. He showed his love and appreciation in so very many ways to all of us, and we will lovingly miss him always and forever.
As per Horst’s request, there will be no funeral service held. His family would sincerely like to thank all for their many prayers, continued support, and heartfelt concern during this most challenging time for Horst and all of us. The family appreciates expressions of sympathy and donations to the SPCA or charities of your choice. Condolences may be made at www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by
Grace Memorial Affordable
Burial & Cremation
1924 10th Ave N.W.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5
www.gracememorial.com
403-905-0440