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November 21, 1929 - January 23, 2021
Werner Erich Schwabe, 91, passed away peacefully at Chilliwack General Hospital following a brief illness. He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Margot (nee Gerth) Schwabe, sister Eva-Maria, and in 2009 his wife and loving partner Alice.
Werner was born in Breslau Hundsfeld, Germany. He enjoyed a happy childhood but his family experienced hardship when forced from their home during the war. Given 24 hours to pack up, they were loaded onto a train and transported to a German camp in Czechoslovakia. At that point, Werner was 15 years of age and adventurous.
He left his family and became a farm labourer while earning a certificate in carpentry and saving for his passage to Canada. Werner immigrated in 1951 at the age of 22. He travelled west to find work which he did on a farm in Ballantine, Alberta but found his true calling was to be a truck driver.
Werner became a well-respected trucker, earning his place as a member of the Million-Mile Club driving long haul through the USA as well as to and from eastern Canada. Retiring from trucking in 1989 Werner and Alice resettled in Agassiz from Surrey, BC.
Werner and Alice were married for 52 years and shared a love of cats and dogs, especially German Shepherds. This love was illustrated through many pictures and framed photographs.
In retirement Werner made use of his skills in carpentry and as a machinist. He became a self-taught computer expert. He loved digital and computer enhanced photography and was a dedicated photographer of landscapes and nature. Driving to off road areas within BC to take photos, a 650 KM day trip was normal for Werner.
His favourite locations to photograph included Lillooet and beyond, sites on the Coquihalla, Manning Park, the Wetlands in Popkum as well as Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs. Many of Werner's photos, videos and slideshows can be found on YouTube.
Werner will be sadly missed by his very special pen pal and dear friend Helga from Germany, and also by his neighbours and many friends. A sincere thank you to Bob, Rob, Mike, and Anne, as well as his cul de sac family for their care and companionship to Werner over the years.
At Werner's request there will be no service. In memory of Werner please think of him when outdoors enjoying nature and our natural surroundings.



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