Eduard Amann

On July 27 in Canmore, after a long and valiant fight with cancer, Eduard Amann left this world in the same way he lived his life – surrounded by people who loved him. His passing was peaceful,

and the relationships that he built over the years sustained him

until the very end. He was 88.

Born April 17, 1931 and raised in Mittelberg, Kleinwalsertal, Austria, Eduard (Eddy or Ed to his friends) immigrated to Canada in 1954.

After his arrival, Ed worked on a farm until his passion for the mountains drew him to Jasper. Always an avid outdoor enthusiast, he met his loving wife Hildegard while skiing at Sunshine Village in 1960.

They were married in 1962, and shortly after, their children Michael

and Therese completed their family.

His interest in flying took him to Vancouver to get his pilot's license which led to a career as a fixed wing and helicopter pilot, and a mechanic. Ed embarked on a life of exploration in Canada's north and the Rockies. He was one of the early pioneers of aviation in oil and gas, fighting forest fires, mountain rescue, and heli-skiing.

Ed's life-long joy for exploring the mountains was surpassed only by his deep interest in the people he encountered along the way. The stories of the shared life adventures made him a unique and enduring presence in the lives of those he met. Many of his tales would include the phrase "well naturally, we became friends!" Dependable, giving, caring, and always quick with a smile and an interesting story, Ed was there to lend a hand to support his family and friends. Helping others was never an inconvenience; he viewed it as an opportunity to spend time with the people he loved. His simple, no-nonsense approach and affable nature always made the time together feel like a visit between old friends - whether it was doing the most difficult of tasks or simply sharing a cup of coffee. Ed was a special man who made sincere and lasting connections; to meet him was to become a friend. He will be deeply missed. His kindness, energy, and zest for life made an impression on all those who met him.

While it was his passion for mountain life that brought him to Canmore, it was his meaningful friendships and love of family that created true joy in his life. They say you only live as long as the last person who remembers you; given his many friends and the lives he touched, Ed will live on for a very long time.

Ed is predeceased in 2011 by Hildegard, his wife of 49 years, and is survived by his children Michael (wife Lynn) and Therese (husband Chris) and the grandchildren who brought him so much joy: Monika, Alex, and Morgan. He also leaves behind many relatives in Europe.

The family is grateful to all those who took such good care of Ed, especially the teams at Origin and the Canmore Hospital. Special thanks go to Deborah from Homecare, Rhea from Acute Care, and

Drs. Barrick and Kirk. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Ed's memory could be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, # 200 - 325 Manning Road NE Calgary, AB, T2E 2P5 .

A celebration of Ed's life was held Sunday, September 8, 2019

at Creekside Hall in the Canmore Seniors Centre.

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.