Tribute

With love and remembrance, we announce the death of Gerhard Emil Deiter on July 24 at the age of 98. Born in Dzierzonska, Poland on May 30, 1927, he was the second son of Emil and Berta Dejter. His life was marked by resilience, faith and endless stories of fascinating times gone by. Dad grew up on a farm northwest of Warsaw, a place of family, the passing of seasons, and adventures with his brother, Richard.

World War Two brought changes and challenges and took him away from his home. Good luck and good planning found his family together again at war’s end in Husum, West Germany. Resourcefulness, a constant companion, found him the owner of a (very small) fleet of taxis. Following the path of his family, he moved to Calgary, where he joined the growing German immigrant community in Bridgeland. There he met Lydia at the Edelweiss Club, asking her to marry him shortly thereafter. They built their home in Cambrian Heights, next door to sister Margaret and family. Life on Coleridge Road was full of children, lively birthday parties and Sunday lunches.

Moving to Abbotsford in 1989, they joined the German community centered around Peace Lutheran Church. The master of garage sales loved to learn, whether that be fixing cars or driving a hard bargain. Dad was all about service to others, especially those in his church community. He was passionate about visiting the infirm and lonelier members of his community. The last of his generation, we will miss his story-telling, passion for “true” stories, epic sayings and his unique outlook on life. Knowing that he is reunited with cherished family and friends in his “home beyond” brings immense peace.

Father of Karin, Peter (David), Anita (Ken), Doris (Dean), grandfather to Megan, Haley, Nadine, Sam and Natalie and very recently great-grandfather to Poppy. Gerhard was the husband of Lydia, who preceded him in death in 2019.

Sincere thanks to the dedicated staff at Menno Home for their years of loving, compassionate care for our father. Thanks as well to the staff at the Abbotsford Hospital for the many times they so wonderfully cared for both our parents.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 am on September 13, 2025 at Peace Lutheran Church, 2029 Ware St, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 3C3 Canada.