September 14, 1936 – December 27, 2021
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our father, Erich Winklmeier, who passed away at the age of 85.
Erich was predeceased by his son, Erin; wife, Irene; sister, Marlene; brother, Albert and his parents, Albert and Anna Winklmeier. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Kristine (Curtis) Loblick and Rick (Kelly) Winklmeier; his 3 grandchildren, Brennan, Bryce and Mia; his siblings, Ernie (Ericka) Winklmeier and Harry (Ilka) Winklmeier; and his nieces and nephews.
Born in Hamburg in 1936, Erich immigrated to Canada when he was eighteen to find a better life, away from war-torn Germany. He eventually brought the rest of his immediate family over as well, with all of them finding a home in the Edmonton area.
Our beloved “Opa” worked incredibly hard his entire life to support his family. Initially he found employment at the Jasper Park Lodge as the in-house barber, where he met many celebrities while enjoying the beauty of the mountains. Later, he opened his own Edmonton business with his brother, Ernie. “Erich and Ernie’s Barbershop” became a well-known and respected place to get a haircut in Edmonton for many years until their retirement.
Erich made many long-lasting friendships over the years, both through the barbershop, as well as with his neighbors in St. Albert. He was outgoing, and would often wave and chat with anyone on his street. He was the neighbor that everyone knew and liked.
Erich also loved his animals and could be found walking the dog through the Forest Lawn ravine multiple times per day, giving them “fleisch” as a treat when they returned home. He was a gentle and caring soul and would go out of his way to prevent harm to any living thing, big or small. He tried to make the world a better place, even when his own health was failing.
Erich will be fondly remembered, and a future celebration of life will be held at the Connelly-McKinley funeral home in St. Albert. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Parkinson’s research or local animal shelters.
To send condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com.
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home
St. Albert Chapel
(780) 458-2222
