I have known Werner for as long as I have had memories. Lise is my Godmother and Werner and Lise were often at our home, or we were visiting them at their farm in Armstrong. He and Lise have been a part of all the pivotal parts of my life, confirmation, graduation, my wedding etc. When I think back, the memories I have of Werner, many of them are memories from being at Werner and Lise’s farm: as a young child I was always excited to go to the farm and climb on the hay bails, walking around the fields to see the cows with Werner, walking in his big rubber boots, warning me not to step in the cow patties; looking down at the pigs in their sty; skating on their pond in the winter; pointing out turtles along the stream and ponds on their property; Werner proudly showing us his bird sanctuary that he made in one field and pointing out a Heron that would hang out in it; Werner explaining how he took care of the newborn calves; and Werner warning me about the electric fence and laughing at me when I touched it.
It was a highlight going to the farm and as I grew older, I grew to appreciate all of the hard work and love he put into his land and his cows.. I always thought it was really cool that Werner was a cheese maker and I loved hearing him talk about his job at Armstrong cheese and vividly remember him showing us his trophies for making award winning cheeses (to this day, I always think of Werner when I buy Armstrong cheese from the store!).
Werner had the best laugh, which was the same, even as he grew older. Even as I grew up, moved away to Edmonton and started my own family - Werner was always happy to see us and would greet us with a booming “Hey, Melanie how are ya?” and would give me a warm hug. He always would ask how we were doing and I appreciated his genuine interest and care about us. It was fun to watch him play with our kids, Naomi, Dahlia and David and from seeing that, I knew he was an amazing Grandfather. Brooke and Kate, your Opa always talked about you when I saw him and I knew he loved you very much. He would show me pictures that he had on his camera with pride. Patrick, I remember him telling me about the work you were doing, in BC and then up in the Yukon; about your family and the life you had up there. He was so proud of you. Lise, I loved how you and Werner would tease each other and laugh so much together; you were such a sweet couple. Werner, I love you very much and I will miss you. I will bring my children to your farm to tell them about you and the memories I have. When I think of you, I’ll picture you in your jeans and t-shirt, with a baseball cap, outside on your farm, laughing. We love you.
Lise, Patrick, Robin, Brooke and Kate - our hearts are so sad for you. We pray that you find comfort in the many memories you have of Werner. We are praying for you and send our love from Edmonton. God bless you. Love, Melanie (Alan, Naomi, Dahlia and David).