Tribute

Gerhardt Karl Huetzelmann January 12, 1931 – April 3, 2018 It is with great sadness the Huetzelmann family announces the passing of Gerhardt Karl Huetzelmann. “Gerri” was born in Leipzig, Germany. He grew up in the thick of World War II, split apart from his siblings and single mother. He learned the value of hard work from an early age, working long hours on rural farms alongside war prisoners. When WW2 ended, Gerri reunited with his family and he and his brother completed an apprenticeship in bricklaying. It was in the midst of this apprenticeship that he met Oma, Hildegard, at a local hot dog stand in Cologne, Germany. Hilda and Gerri would fall in love and immigrate to Canada in their mid 20s to seek more opportunity. It was in November of 1956 on a steerage ship that Opa arrived in Victoria with $30 to his name. Hildegard would follow six months later on a first-class Greek ship. He and Hilda would buy their first home together in James Bay, Victoria, BC, and begin to raise six strong and unrelenting boys. In 1973, the family moved to Powell River where Gerri established his masonry company in 1964. The business flourished and the boys inevitably learned the craft, too. He taught them what it meant to be honest over and above the skills. He taught them work ethic. Opa will be remembered for his everlasting sacrifice and generosity, his good humour and his infectious chuckle. Opa is predeceased by his youngest son Roland. He is survived by his wife Hilda, sons Gary (Sharon), Roy, Brian, William and Joe (Brenda), and his numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, April 19, at Stubberfield Funeral Home on Duncan Street, followed by his burial at Powell River Regional Cemetery in Cranberry. A celebration of life/luncheon will follow at 2 pm at his son Joe’s house at 3904 Manitoba Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Salvation Army.