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ALTENDORF, Heinz

1916-2008

Past away peacefully in the company of his family on Sept 14th, 2008. In accordance with his wishes for a simple remembrance ceremony, an open house reception will be held on February 26, 2009 which would have been the date of his ninety-second birthday, at the HHS Memorial Hall. In lieu of sending flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.


Because of Heinz's greatest wish was to die in his own home, I would like to thank on his behalf, everyone who made this possible, especially his family, his medical care team, and his friends.

Heinz leaves behind a large family including wife Ruth, Son Eric (Sue), Daughters Yvonne Goodis (Phil), Julia Redmont (Maurice), Grandchildren Sierra, Kai, Jasper, Aaron & Andrew. Brother Klaus Altendorf, Sisters Mathilde Mokri & family, Liselotte Gothe & family, Irmeli Altendorf & family, Renate Price & family, Liette Bisehoff & family, Ingrid Speek & family, Manuela Mechtel & family, Anke Eilers & family, Silke Eilers & family, as well as many, many friends,

"There is no beginning and no end, only change." - Elbert Einstein

Heinz Altendorf was born in 1917 in the German village of Oppenheim. He was the eldest male in a family of seven siblings. As an outstanding student, he was trained to be a military officer in 1938. During the second world war he served as a squadron leader in the air force. He flew over three hundred missions and was awarded the Iron Cross and the German Cross in gold for his bravery under fire.

After being shot down in North Africa, he was interned as a prisoner of war in Canada. Five years later he was repatriated to Germany, but eventually immigrated to Canada with is wife and two daughters.

He worked for the Berkel Company in Toronto, until his retirement. His last years were spent in Harrison Hot Springs. This was the happiest time of his life. He was an avid hiker who introduced many people in the Fraser Valley to the pleasures of outdoor recreation. He was a quiet, dignified man who inspired respect and affection from his family, friends, and neighbors. There will be a small ceremony in his honour at Mt. Cheam on a trail he loved to hike.



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