Herman Wilhelm Fornssler died peacefully in Victoria, BC on April 23, 2015 at the age of 96 years. Herman was born on December 3, 1918 in Saskatoon, SK. He was predeceased in 1999 by his wife of 52 years, Barbara.

Herman was the last of the children of Sophie and Christian Fornssler. He followed in his father’s footsteps as a butcher, served as a pilot overseas during World War II, then returned to the prairies as a partner in Modern Meat Market, Humboldt, SK. Though he enjoyed his retirement in Victoria, Herman always remained true to his prairie heritage. Perhaps the best description of Herman is from his grandniece Jenny who said he was a “tall, great, smiling guy”. Herman was a loving dad and grandpa. He was very proud of his grandchildren and supported their educational accomplishments.

Herman is mourned by his son Chris (Cathie), grandchildren Michael and Barbara (Holly McKenzie), all of Saskatoon; his nieces Dorothy Chuhran of Victoria and Sarah Norton of Toronto, his nephews Bruce Dutton of Victoria and Edward Bence of Vancouver, and their families; and by friends in Victoria and Saskatchewan.

Special thanks to Dr. Michael Miles and the staff at Beacon Hill Villa.

At Herman’s request, no funeral service will be held.

Herman’s grandaughter Barbara wanted to add to this obituary the last stanza from the Robert Service poem The Call of the Wild, because the poem is a reminder of Herman’s encouragement to live as fully as we can in the best way we know how.

“Let us probe the silent places, let us seek what luck betide us; Let us journey to a lone!y land I know. There’s a whisper on the night-wind, there’s a star agleam to guide us, And the wild is calling, calling . . . let us go.”

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com

 

 

  • Marg Palmer

    Hi Chris and Cathie,
    We were sorry to read about your Dad. Every year we attend a Robbie Burns gathering at a neighbour’s and your cousin ,Cathie, is also there and we wonder if Mr. Fornssler is still here. He lived a good long life indeed. All our sympathy. Take care.
    Marg and Mick

  • Islay Ehlert

    How fortunate you were to have your dad for so long. Sounds like quite the character. Like father like son? Take care.

  • Gladys (Ford) Nisbet

    My deepest sympathy to you, Chris, Cathie and family. Thank you for the card you sent after Christmas informing me that your dad’s address had changed. I am sad to hear of his passing. You are in my thoughts; your memories will live on forever.

  • Dan and Deb von Schilling

    I had the pleasure working with Herman. He was a gentleman. My condolences to Herman’s family. He will be fondly remembered.

  • Ted Nicholls

    I worked with Herman for a number of years in the 70s when Herman was working as a butcher for Graham Meats in Victoria. My memories of Herman of a gentle man, hardworking, thoughtful and, as his grand niece says “a smiling guy…”. I would bump into Herman from time to time over the years and always enjoyed catching up with him and what was new in his life. He was the kind of person everyone liked; doubt if he made any enemies during his lifetime; always a pleasant smile and a kind word. He was well liked by customers whom he served.

    My deepest sympathies to Chris and other family members. Herman will be missed by many who admired the kind of person he was.

    Ted Nicholls

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