Obituary of Irvin G. Woermke

Woermke, Irvin Gottlieb veteran WWII Royal Canadian Air Force Aircraft Technician, 441 Squadron October 8, 1923—December 23, 2011 Arnprior Ontario Irvin passed away surrounded by the love of his family at The Grove Nursing Home in Arnprior on Friday morning December 23, 2011. Survived by his loving wife, Dorcas Isobel (Scheel), he exemplified the true meaning of commitment and devotion as he lovingly cared for her during their 63 happy years of married life. A loving and supportive father to Valerie (Richard) Wereley of Arnprior and Brent (Dorothy) Woermke of Toronto, he was a much loved grandpa to Matthew (Alison) Wereley , Allison (Jason) Rabideau, Kristin and Andrea Woermke. He took great delight in the lives and accomplishments of his grandchildren and was blessed with the birth of his great grandson, James Wereley. He was predeceased by his parents, Herman and Ottillie Woermke and his brother and sister- in- law, Warren and Dorothy Woermke. He is survived by his sister-in-law and and brother-in-law, Lorraine and Bill Sly of Arnprior as well as by nieces and nephews who were very special to him. Irvin was a veteran of WWII serving with distinction in the RCAF overseas. Returning home to Arnprior after the war, he married and raised a loving family while gaining the respect of his community for his many acts of volunteerism. He was a member of the Arnprior and District Memorial Hospital Board for 45 years and was recently recognized for his outstanding service by his appointment as a Life Director. His work on the hospital board gave him the opportunity to help oversee the construction of The Grove Nursing Home in 1980 and its subsequent expansion in 1995. A founding member of the Ottawaska Housing Corporation, he worked tirelessly in pursuit of quality affordable housing for needy members of his community. Irvin was honored as the 2011 Senior Citizen of Arnprior, and more recently, as one of 20 annual recipients of the Ontario Senior Achievement Award. A man of sincere faith, he served over many years as a Sunday School Teacher, Deacon and Elder at First Baptist Church in Arnprior, while applying his ethics and values concretely in support of neighbours and friends. Family members will cherish the memory of Irvin who “loved” working in his flower and vegetable garden and then using its produce to make delicious pickles, jams and relishes. He enjoyed making model airplanes or flying in real ones. He was a skilled craftsman, whose abundant collection of tools coupled with his knowledge and determination, resulted in him being “the first to call” when things needed repair. In the eyes of his grandchildren, Grandpa could fix anything! Resting at The Boyce Funeral Home 138 Daniel Street N., Arnprior where family and friends may pay their respects on Thursday December 29 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. only. Funeral service to take place on Friday December 30, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in The First Baptist Church, 279 Alicia Street S., Arnprior with the Rev. Lee Dyck officiating. Private interment service to be held at a later time. In memory of Irvin, a donation to the First Baptist Church, Arnprior or the Grove Nursing Home would be appreciated by his family.