MAYR, Louis
89, of New Westminster, BC, passed away 05 January 2016, after a long struggle with natural aging. It is with great sadness that we announce his passing. Alois Mayr was born into a small farming village in Bavaria in 1926. He spent his formative years exploring regional mountains; the postwar years took him skiing & climbing to the Swiss Alps. An accomplished alpinist, in 1952 he was reportedly the first Mindelheimer to conquer the Matterhorn. We greatly admire his photographs from this era. Around this time, he received his certification as a master electrician. Louis moved to Canada in 1953 and settled in Vancouver after a brief sojourn in Toronto. In Vancouver he met the love of his life, Olga Funk whom he married in 1955. They welcomed Judy (1956), John (1959), David (1964), and Douglas (1966). Adventures at this time took the family to Manning Park and Mt. Baker. By 1965 the growing family moved to the little white and green house on Surrey St. in New Westminster. Louis started a long and successful career in electrical and machine maintenance and worked as the maintenance superintendent at Ipsco until his retirement in 1992. Louis was well liked and respected by all those he worked with, having integrity and a great work ethic. His dedication to the ERW tubulars coming out of the Port Moody plant played a huge role in Ipsco's success. Louie could fix anything. Family outings were to Louis' favourite places - Stanley Park, Lynn Canyon, Mt Seymour, White Rock. Our husband and father was passionate about everything he did. He loved the mountains, skiing, and sailing. Many memorable holidays were spent skiing in Whistler in the company of family and close friends. Louis and Olga bought a property at Harrison Hot Springs and Louis soon turned his energy to that locale. A member of the Harrison Yacht Club, he spent over 30 years exploring Harrison Lake on his various sailboats. He was never happier than on his boat, wind filling the spinnaker. A Remembrance of Dad will follow in Harrison Hot Springs. On retirement, Louis turned his attention and affection to his grandchildren Alexandra, Samantha and Justina. He was a doting grandfather who accompanied them to their many and various activities. In his 70s he took up snowboarding so as to spend time with the girls at the local hills. He had his last ski pass at Grouse Mountain at age 81. Louis Mayr was a practical, generous husband and father with a playful sense of humour. He passed away in his adopted hometown of New Westminster at age 89, three months after his 60th wedding anniversary. Louis is survived by his wife Olga, his daughter Judy (Roman), sons John (Barbara), David (Kristina), Douglas (Michelle), and grandchildren Alexandra, Samantha, Justina, Raphaela, and Mabel. It is with mixed emotions that we watched him set sail one last time into the sunset. We all miss you very much. We love you.