July 19, 1929 — Feb. 19, 2023
Dr. Heinz (Hank) Griesbach of Fort Macleod, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, at the age of 93 years.
Left to mourn are his wife of 49 years, Barbel; his children, Glenn (Sandra), Tom (Cathy), Christina (Cameron) Kirk, and James; and his grandchildren.
Hank was predeceased by his parents, Heinrich and Elisabeth; his sister, Rena Braatz; and his brother, Guenter.
Born in Verden an der Aller, Germany, on July 19, 1929, Heinz left Germany for Canada at age 24 in search of adventure and opportunity. He arrived in Quebec City aboard the M.S. Anna Salen in 1953 and took to work as a farm labourer. A year later, he made his way west.
While looking for employment in Vancouver, Hank and a friend chanced upon a sign calling for recruits for the Canadian Army. Figuring, “There’s nothing wrong with the army,” they enlisted on a whim. Thus began his 26-year military career.
Hank started his service in 1954 as a private paratrooper in Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Calgary, and was known to say, “Once a Patricia, always a Patricia.” It was in the PPCLI, in Hut 34 at Currie Barracks, that he was christened “Hank” by a fellow soldier. Hank loved this name and carried it proudly for the rest of his days.
Hank received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Toronto in 1964 and went on to serve in the Royal Canadian Dental Corps in Petawawa, North Bay, Cold Lake, Germany, Cyprus, and Egypt. He retired from the Canadian Armed Forces in 1980 as Lieutenant Colonel Hank Griesbach.
Upon retirement, Hank bought a dental practice in Fort Macleod, the town where he would spend his remaining years. Working as a dentist in Fort Macleod and Stand Off, Hank developed a deep appreciation for the communities and their people. First elected in 1983, he spent 20 years on Fort Macleod town council, serving on numerous boards and committees. He was also involved in various clubs and organizations.
Ever the homebody, Hank often retreated to the house and yard he loved. Here he surrounded himself with art, music, and literature. He was an avid photographer throughout his lifetime, with his favourite subjects being his family and friends. When not at home, Hank enjoyed going on drives through the southern Alberta countryside, delighting in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
At Hank’s request, there will be no funeral service. He will be laid to rest at a private family service.
Memorial tributes may be made to the Fort Macleod Handibus Society, P.O. Box 881, Fort Macleod Alta., T0L0Z0.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Fort Macleod Extendicare staff and Dr. Steven Beekman for the compassionate care they provided Hank, and Eden’s Funeral Home for the care they provided the family.