Otto Lehr

Otto Lehr, a man of deep caring and compassion, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, just two weeks shy of his 96th birthday, with his beloved wife Joanne (Rabidou) Lehr of 56 years at his side. He is lovingly remembered by his daughter Corinne; son Eric (Anne); grandchildren Megan, Andrew and Malea; sister-in-law Adolfine; nieces Sabine and Diane (Russ) Walton; and nephews David (Lou), Lorne (Katarina), Bruce, Glenn (Barb), Clayton (Stacy), Merrill (Holly). Otto was predeceased by his brothers Josef and Franz; sisters-in-law Jean (Gerald), Donna (Richard); and niece Evelyne (Walter).

Otto was born in Salzburg, Austria on March 9, 1930, to Josef Lehr and Maria Schmodisch. He had an adventurous childhood during the Great Depression and the Second World War. After completing school at age 14 he began work as an office clerk and then pursued an electrical apprenticeship. Seeking a better life for his family in Austria and for the family he hoped to build, Otto emigrated to Canada, arriving at the Port of Quebec on October 30, 1951, aboard the M.S. Nelly. He lived briefly in Ottawa where he maintained the lights around the Parliament buildings. After learning English and passing his Canadian electrician journeyman exam, he set out to drive to Vancouver. Car trouble landed him in Calgary where he formed a close-knit circle of Austrian and German friends, and built houses with several of them. He began work as a commercial electrician.

Otto was a proud member of IBEW for 73 years and was employed by Comstock International from 1964 until he retired in 1990. Otto worked on many large projects including the smelter in Kitimat, the Sheerness power plant, many of the office towers and hospitals in Calgary as well as some of the facilities for the 1988 Calgary Olympics.

It is fortunate that Otto never made it to Vancouver, because it was in Calgary where he met his wife Joanne, when they were both members of the Swinging Singles square dance club. They graduated from that club, were married in 1969 and were blessed with two children. Otto was devoted to his wife Joanne and rarely did you ever see them apart. He was a loyal friend to many. Throughout his life, Otto enjoyed sharing stories of his life experiences, especially with his children and grandchildren.

Otto was an avid snow and water-skier, fisherman and outdoorsman. His happiest times throughout his life were on the lake or in the mountains with his family. He enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren to also love the outdoors. In his retirement, Otto and Joanne built a house at Mabel Lake where he had brought his family for yearly summer vacations. Otto and Joanne spent half the year at this house enjoying walks, talking with neighbours and spending time on the lake. Otto continued to maintain their house at Mabel Lake even up to a few years ago. In 2007, Otto and Joanne moved to Okotoks where they spent their winters when they weren’t exploring the world and visiting their children.

Otto was a man of integrity who never compromised his values. He knew the importance of hard work and always completed a job with craftsmanship - principles which he instilled in his children. Otto could build and repair almost anything and was always willing to help anyone fix anything. He patiently supported his children in music, sports and school and was always interested in what they were learning. Otto deeply loved his wife, Joanne, and his children. Otto built not only homes and buildings, but also a good life for his family through honesty, commitment and quiet devotion. His life and love for his family will continue to inspire those who knew him.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the High River General Hospital and the Rockyview General Hospital for their compassionate care.

A celebration of life will be held on March 14, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Pierson’s Funeral Service, 4121 17th Ave. SE, Calgary, Alberta. Interment will follow at Queens Park Cemetery