Herbert ORTLIEB

ORTLIEB, Herbert
With heavy hearts the family wishes to announce that Herbert Ortlieb passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his wife of 62 years and his only daughter. In his final hours Herb was comforted and surrounded by the love of his adoring grandsons Nicholas and Tyler and his incredible son-in-law Bryan.
Herb was predeceased by his parents Samuel and Wanda, siblings; Marta Neumann, Margaret Rott, Richard Ortlieb and baby Gunda.
Herb leaves to mourn his wife Johanna, his son James Ortlieb (Kathy), his daughter Rose Ortlieb-Ross (Bryan), his grandchildren Nicholas, Tyler, Adam, Parker and Sidney, brother Walter (Violet), as well as numerous relatives, friends and business acquaintances.
Herb's life was as interesting as it was amazing. Born in Dubeczno, Poland on April 14, 1930, Dad faced many challenges during his young years. War forced his family to continuously move until such time that Dad and his brother Walter came to Canada in 1950. The brothers eventually settled in Edmonton where Dad's young adult life took shape. In 1953 Dad met a girl (Johanna Ostermann) at a dance. They married on September 2, 1955 and that was the beginning of many good things to come.
Blessed with two children, James and Rosalind, along with numerous pets throughout, the family was complete. Family was always front and centre of everything they did. Travel, laughter, dancing, home parties with relatives and friends, extravagant dinners and home baked fancy tortes were the centre of our universe.
In 1971 Mom and Dad took a financial risk of a lifetime by investing with complete strangers in a rather run down hotel on Whyte Ave known as The Commercial Hotel. In 1984 Dad was not satisfied with the status of the business and decided to bring blues bands and artists up from the Chicago area to see if patrons would have any interest. It was an immediate success and Blues on Whyte was born. By 1987 Dad built a venue addition to the historical Hotel and 31 years later the bar has become a destination for blues lovers from all over North America. Many artists have graced the stage and rocked the room from up and coming talents to Juno and Grammy Award recipients. Dad had a genuine allegiance to his customers, employees, working artists and musicians. He felt privileged to meet so many wonderful, talented, enthusiastic people from all aspects of the hospitality and entertainment industry.
Dad was an extremely humble, generous and kind person. His deals in life were made on the honor of his word and a simple handshake. Nothing else was needed. Dad was an active Hotelier and property investor for more than forty years.
The family is grateful that Tommie Gallie, President of the Edmonton Blues Hall of Fame bestowed Dad with the honor of "Induction into the Builder Category" in May 2017. How thrilled we were to share this momentous occasion with Dad.
The family further extends a sincere thank you to all the amazing doctors, nurses, health care professionals, in particular the caring workers, aides and volunteers of the Dr. Gerald Zetter Centre, who showed kindness and understanding in what would become Dad's final weeks.
We are forever grateful for Dr. Nigel Flook and Melanie Ochitwa, of the Family Medical Centre who have cared for Dad and our family as a whole. Dr. Nigel Flook is profoundly gifted in his field. He has shared his gift of care and compassion with our family amazingly involving four generations.
A Funeral and Celebration of Life for Dad will be held on Friday February 2, 2018 at noon at the South Side Memorial Chapel, 8310-104 St NW, Edmonton, AB. For those wishing to pay their final respects a viewing will take place one hour prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be graciously accepted by the Alzheimer Society of Edmonton, 14925 111 Ave NW.
To sign the book of condolences and to share memories, please visit www.southsidememorial.com