Obituary
“What’s not to like?”
With sadness we’d like to share the passing of our dad Arthur Driediger, in Calgary, Alberta on Sunday, January 17, 2021 at the age of 89 years. Arthur will be lovingly remembered by his children, Darlene Staples, Rod Driediger, Steven Driediger (Dawn), and Ruth Gissing (Shaun); his grandchildren Natasha Staples (David Lewis), Chiara Staples, Jessie van den Beukel (Freek), Larissa Driediger, Brendan Eden, Rodney Driediger Jr., Zachary Driediger, Maigan Birse (Nate), Stephanie Gissing, Kayla Gissing (Arup Sarkar); great-grandchildren Benjamin, Reece, and Caspar van den Beukel, Luca Staples Lewis, and Lewis, Adeline, and Norah Birse; and his brother Walt Driediger. Arthur was predeceased by his wife Iris; his parents Aaron and Anna Driediger; and siblings George (infant), Jake, George, Anne, Rudy, and Nellie.
Dad was born on the family farm near Lockwood, SK. A few years later the family moved to a farm close to Drake, SK. It is on the farm that Dad learned the value of hard work with the many chores to be done. During WWII many of the men were at war so as a young teenager he was put to work during harvest. His mom worried that the very physical work would be too hard on him at his young age, but he thrived on it. He was naturally athletic and strong, and as a teenager he especially enjoyed playing hockey.
In 1953 Dad married Iris and they shared 61 years of marriage until her passing in 2015. In the early days of their marriage Dad suffered a severe back injury which resulted in surgery, and as a result he wasn’t able to continue with farming. Subsequently, he worked at the Drake Lumber Yard, the Post Office, and completed his Diploma in Drafting by correspondence. Moving his young family to Melfort, SK., where he operated an Amway dealership, Dad and Mom owned a book store, he worked at Muttart Homes, and he studied Dale Carnegie courses. Next was a move to Calgary in 1969 where Dad enjoyed a successful career with Nelson Homes, where he especially enjoyed working with the rural customers in his southern Alberta territory. Dad also worked for a few other businesses, all making use of his construction expertise.
In mid-life Dad developed a new passion for natural remedies and nutritional supplements, which motivated him to develop his own health business called Performance Medical. Dad successfully ran this small business for many years, finally retiring in his early 80’s. He willingly shared his knowledge and suggestions for better health with family and friends.
Not one to be idle, if Dad wasn’t working he would readily pick up a game of golf, help someone with a move or a building project, and play board games with his kids and grandkids. Dad also took great pride in his home and gardens, which he meticulously maintained, and he loved to make everyone feel welcome there.
Faith in God was integral to Dad’s life; he found great strength and comfort in this. Involvement in his church was very important to Dad and this added richness to his time on earth.
Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 83 and he moved into Continuing Care at that time. Complications from Covid-19 transported Dad to heaven. We wish to give our heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at the Academy of Aging.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private family funeral will be held on Sunday, January 31, 2021.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Samaritan’s Purse Canada (20 Hopewell Way NE Calgary, AB T3J 5H5; 1-800-663-6500; info@samaritan.ca).
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Arthur Driediger, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Arthur Driediger April 7 1931 January 17 2021 (age 89)..
Death notice for the town of: Calgary, Province: Alberta