Obituary of Gilbert Niehaus

Gilbert Niehaus, of Camrose, passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer on November 27, 2013 at the age of 72. Left to cherish Gilbert's memory are his devoted and loving wife, Pat; daughters, Rachelle (Alex) Afaganis of Calgary, Jodie (Perry) Sparrow of Camrose, Shauna (Shane) Ashton of Camrose, and Kelly (Trevor) Hart of Beaumont; and his nine adoring grandchildren, Matthias, Alexa, Karli, Kierra, Dawson, Kallista, Thomas, Nate, and Josie. Gilbert was born on the family farm at Strome, Alberta, where he grew up and continued farming after he married Patricia Seiferman on Feb 15, 1969. Gilbert and Pat had all four girls while they were still on the farm and then moved to Camrose in 1976. Gilbert worked at Ray's Equipment and finished his career at Shaw Pipe. He had a very strong work ethic. Gilbert was a very devoted family man and took great pride in his wife, four girls (and sons-in-law), and eventually his grandchildren. His love was unconditional! Friends were also very important to Gilbert…and it never mattered what status, title, culture or possessions one had as Gilbert was kind to all. It was not uncommon for him to make homemade soup and deliver it to family and friends. Gilbert also enjoyed countless hours in the garage building childrens' picnic tables, birdhouses, magazine holders, tool boxes, and recipe book holders. He loved using recycled materials and getting the most out of everything including broken lawn tools that he would somehow find a way to make useable. He was always up at the crack of dawn or earlier and headed straight out to the service station to visit his dear friends and to keep busy at the "best time of day". Gilbert also had a nickname, "Twinkle Toes" and those who were lucky enough to witness his waltzing (especially with Pat) know exactly how he got this name. He was still attempting to dance within days of his passing. Gilbert was known to all who met him for his jokes - always hoping to make someone laugh. As well, he was known as the "Candy Man" - insisting even while he was in the hospital to get out to buy more candy to give to his nurses, doctors and visitors. He was a very bright man - insisting his children use their "Niehaus" calculator, charming all with his "wit", and teaching his family to "read between the lines"…. Gilbert was devoted to his church life. Until his health failed him, he never missed a Sunday mass (always there early to ring the bell) and he instilled these faith virtues in his home. He rarely spoke of his faith, but demonstrated it constantly and consistently. A prayer vigil was held on Monday, December 2, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. from the Burgar Memorial Chapel. A Mass of the Resurrection was held on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. from St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church (5010 48 A Ave) with Rev. Larry Pederson as celebrant. Inurnment has taken place in the Camrose Cemetery. Memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to The Foundation Fighting Blindness, St. Mary's Hospital Palliative Care Unit, or The Cross Cancer Institute.