It is with sadness and joy that the family of Walter Haessel announces his passing on Aug. 22, 2022 at 81 years, after enduring Alzheimer’s disease for the past several years.
He leaves behind his wife of 58 years Ann; their two sons Dale and Roger Haessel, both of Calgary; his sister, Annabelle Wimmer (Herb), their son Brian, all of Hanna; Walter’s sister-in-law Georgia Smith (Joe) and their sons Sean and Douglas, all of New Jersey.
Walter was born in Hanna, Alta. in 1941 to Hedwig and Rudolf Haessel. He graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (1964) and a Master of Science in Economics (1966). He then completed a Ph.D. in Economics (1970) at Iowa State University.
He started his career teaching economics and conducting research at the University of Western Ontario, and later taught agricultural economics at Pennsylvania State University.
From 1971 to 1974, Walter and family lived in Ghana where Walter worked for the Canadian International Development Agency. After returning to Canada, he taught at the University of Western Ontario before becoming a Senior Economist for the Bank of Montreal in Montreal.
In 1982, Walter returned to Alberta and worked for the Canadian Research Institute (CERI). After acquiring the CERI Consulting business in 1989, he consulted to the oil and gas industry until retiring in 2009.
In 1991, Walter joined the Downtown Rotary Club, where he served on many committees, with his main involvement being the World Community Service Committee (2005 – 2019).
He served as Club Secretary and Chair of District 5360 as well as serving on many other committees. He earned many Paul Harris Fellow awards, A Service Above Self Award, a Citation for Meritorious Service Award for Rotary International, Alberta Centennial Medal in recognition of outstanding service to the people and province of Alberta by Premier Ralph Klein.
However, in May 2021, he received the most prestigious Rotary international award available. He was presented with an honorary lifetime membership in his Club in 2021. Walter was a proud Rotarian.
His service on several boards included: Sustainable Cambodia, Street Teams where he was an Honorary Board member, Friends of the Calgary Research and Development Authority, and the Wildland Park Development Committee. He chaired the Board of Calgary Rotary Challenger Park and has been an Ambassador there for several years.
Walter was a true humanitarian and was always concerned and worked for the well-being of his family, Rotary, Cambodia and the less fortunate around the world. He now deserves a rest. Congratulations on a life well lived.
A celebration of Walter’s life will be held on Sun. Sept. 11, 2022, from 1 – 4 p.m. with tributes at 2 p.m. at the Silver Springs Golf and Country Club, 1600 Varsity Estates Dive NW, Calgary, Alta. 403-286-1456.
Walter requested that instead of flowers, donations could be made to the Rotary Club of Calgary Downtown, World Community Service.
Pierson’s Funeral Service Ltd. 4121 – 17 Ave. SE, Calgary, Alta. T2A 0T1; 403-235-3602.