Obituary of Michael Riemann

December 22, 1939 – January 19, 2021

 

It is with great sadness that the family of Michael Riemann announces his passing Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at the age of 81 years.

Born in Kiel, Germany in 1939, Mike was the oldest of three. He enjoyed many trips seaside with his family growing up. Never one to shy away from new experiences, Mike immigrated to Canada in 1959 for a fresh start and to begin his career as a tradesman. He eventually found his way to interior B.C., which reminded him of his beautiful homeland. Mike’s passion for new hobbies started then, with race car driving and downhill skiing. He met Arletta in 1965; they were married that next year and settled in Cranbrook to raise their two girls. Mike took great pride in his work, hobbies, and family. As a master painter and decorator, he established a successful painting business known for high quality of workmanship, eye for design and professionalism. He played guitar, picking up several different styles over the years, adding banjo and ukulele to his skillset, and had regular jam sessions with his close friends. He carried on the sailing tradition from his father and established a local sailing chapter recruiting numerous members and friends to join him on the water locally and throughout North America. He was as fast on the water as on the land, and often left regattas with a trophy in hand. As he grew older his hobbies shifted but with no less passion. An avid fan for the local junior hockey team, he was a regular at the games and he learned to curl, competing in tournaments each winter. Most recently he restored a bright red MGB car and joined the local English Car Club for events with fellow car enthusiasts. Cranbrook locals will miss seeing Mike around town in his MGB or walking the town paths for regular exercise. He took great pride in his daughters and their families and careers. Mike genuinely loved to help others and was constantly involved in various projects for family, friends, and acquaintances. He will be remembered for his integrity, his passion for life and a committed and loving family man.

Mike will be forever in the hearts of his wife and best friend of 54 years, Arletta and his children, Christel (Bob) of Phoenix, US, and Carolynn (Kent) of Calgary, AB. His five grandchildren Alden, Evan, Iesis, Olivia and Bridget will lovingly remember their “Opa” and he will be sadly missed by his sister, Christel of Kiel, Germany and by sister-in-law Leonie of Lethbridge, AB. Mike will be lovingly remembered by so many including Arletta’s siblings, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends in Canada, US and Germany.

Mike was predeceased by his brother Horst and brother-in-law Johann-Peter.  

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of East Kootenay Regional Hospital who provided loving care and support in his final days.

An intimate service will be held for immediate family only. At a later date, the family plans to hold a Celebration of Life Event. Those who so desire may make memorial donations in Mike’s memory to a local Food Bank, Heart & Stroke Foundation, or a charity choice.

 

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com