Obituary for Arthur Wirch
WIRCH: Arthur, age 81 years. The beloved husband of the late Dagmar Wirch, Arthur passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at Fairview Home in Brandon.
Born in Poland on March 10, 1939, Arthur enjoyed telling the stories of how his family came to Canada from Poland having traversed Eastern and Western Germany. Hardship, courage, hope and survival were the hallmarks of Arthur’s journey to Canada. His strength and help came from a firm understanding of the faith of God. As exemplified by his parents, he worked diligently and saved money in order to have a better life. Originally settling in St. Ouens, Manitoba in 1953, he eventually moved to Winnipeg. He loved relating the stories of growing up with his three brothers and sister.
Arthur received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Winnipeg and his Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba. He first taught science to 10th-12th graders at Teulon Collegiate then moved on to St. James Collegiate in Winnipeg. In 1972, Arthur moved his young family to Brandon to take on a new challenge teaching Physics, Sciences and Photography at Princess Elizabeth Public School in Shilo, where he continued until 1983.
Arthur married Dagmar Falk on July 4, 1964 in Winnipeg. They shared many happy years together raising their family. Summers were filled with camping at favorite locations like Katherine Lake. He loved getting together with his siblings and extended family. Arthur always enjoyed being outdoors in the summer, especially riding his bike all over Brandon. He retired from his career as an educator and purchased A&L Cycle in the early 1980s. A passionate photographer, Arthur had his camera in hand wherever he went. Art and Dagmar attended local fairs where he honed his skills. He was frequently sought-out for weddings and even developed his own black and white images.
After retiring in the late 1980s, the Wirchs moved to Kelowna, BC for several years before returning to Brandon to enjoy time with their grandchildren. From 1997 to 2015, Arthur was an active member of Seniors for Seniors. He reveled in doing odd jobs like yard work and minor repairs for his fellow members. He also worked for We Care from 2009 to 2015, loving to spend time with those who were alone bringing cheer to their day.
Arthur was an avid reader and spent countless hours educating himself in the world of sciences and other interests. He also was keenly interested in studying and meditating the Bible. Folks on his email list always looked forward to receiving his jokes. He had a dry and mostly corny sense of humor which often resulted in eye rolls and groans from his audience. Arthur was an active church member for years, later attending the Christian Reformed Church where he truly enjoyed the fellowship prior to entering the hospital. The legacy he leaves behind includes his love for God and the impact of his teaching.
Arthur will be lovingly remembered by his children Ramona (Dennis) Nakonechny, Cameron (Colleen) Wirch, Howard (Manda) Wirch and Theresa Wirch, his grandchildren, sister Meta Friedenberger and brothers Hubert (Joan) Wirch and Erwin (Isabelle) Wirch and sister-in-law Geraldine Wirch. He was predeceased by his loving wife Dagmar and brother Adolph.
A Celebration of Arthur’s Life will be planned at a later date when it is safe to gather together again.
Donations in memory of Arthur may be made to CNIB Foundation, 354 – 10th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 4G1, www.cnib.ca.
Born in Poland on March 10, 1939, Arthur enjoyed telling the stories of how his family came to Canada from Poland having traversed Eastern and Western Germany. Hardship, courage, hope and survival were the hallmarks of Arthur’s journey to Canada. His strength and help came from a firm understanding of the faith of God. As exemplified by his parents, he worked diligently and saved money in order to have a better life. Originally settling in St. Ouens, Manitoba in 1953, he eventually moved to Winnipeg. He loved relating the stories of growing up with his three brothers and sister.
Arthur received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Winnipeg and his Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba. He first taught science to 10th-12th graders at Teulon Collegiate then moved on to St. James Collegiate in Winnipeg. In 1972, Arthur moved his young family to Brandon to take on a new challenge teaching Physics, Sciences and Photography at Princess Elizabeth Public School in Shilo, where he continued until 1983.
Arthur married Dagmar Falk on July 4, 1964 in Winnipeg. They shared many happy years together raising their family. Summers were filled with camping at favorite locations like Katherine Lake. He loved getting together with his siblings and extended family. Arthur always enjoyed being outdoors in the summer, especially riding his bike all over Brandon. He retired from his career as an educator and purchased A&L Cycle in the early 1980s. A passionate photographer, Arthur had his camera in hand wherever he went. Art and Dagmar attended local fairs where he honed his skills. He was frequently sought-out for weddings and even developed his own black and white images.
After retiring in the late 1980s, the Wirchs moved to Kelowna, BC for several years before returning to Brandon to enjoy time with their grandchildren. From 1997 to 2015, Arthur was an active member of Seniors for Seniors. He reveled in doing odd jobs like yard work and minor repairs for his fellow members. He also worked for We Care from 2009 to 2015, loving to spend time with those who were alone bringing cheer to their day.
Arthur was an avid reader and spent countless hours educating himself in the world of sciences and other interests. He also was keenly interested in studying and meditating the Bible. Folks on his email list always looked forward to receiving his jokes. He had a dry and mostly corny sense of humor which often resulted in eye rolls and groans from his audience. Arthur was an active church member for years, later attending the Christian Reformed Church where he truly enjoyed the fellowship prior to entering the hospital. The legacy he leaves behind includes his love for God and the impact of his teaching.
Arthur will be lovingly remembered by his children Ramona (Dennis) Nakonechny, Cameron (Colleen) Wirch, Howard (Manda) Wirch and Theresa Wirch, his grandchildren, sister Meta Friedenberger and brothers Hubert (Joan) Wirch and Erwin (Isabelle) Wirch and sister-in-law Geraldine Wirch. He was predeceased by his loving wife Dagmar and brother Adolph.
A Celebration of Arthur’s Life will be planned at a later date when it is safe to gather together again.
Donations in memory of Arthur may be made to CNIB Foundation, 354 – 10th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 4G1, www.cnib.ca.