Philipp, Karl

Karl Philipp passed away peacefully and unexpectedly, with his wife Theresia at his side on Sunday, December 3, 2023.

Karl is predeceased by his parents, Karl and Johanna Philipp, and his sister Luise (Franz) Flois.

As a young man, Karl spent his free time skiing in the winter and playing soccer in the summer with the Graz SK Sturm junior team and Ilz ISV. This is where he met his beloved Resi.

In 1956, Karl emigrated to Canada. Resi followed one year later, and they were married in Edmonton on December 31, 1957. They settled in Lethbridge where they raised their three children, Karoline, Peter, and Eileen.

Karl was an entrepreneur and managed Philipp’s Painting & Decorating for over 40 years. In 1963, Karl sponsored his second-cousin Helmut Seiz to come to Canada. He also sponsored his brother, Rudi Seltenhammer and his wife Inge in 1965, all of whom continue to live in Lethbridge.

Karl’s love for sports continued as he played right-wing forward for the Lethbridge Bombers, winning the provincial championship in 1958.

He also enjoyed fishing, skiing, bowling, water-skiing, swimming, ballroom dancing, figure skating and old-timers hockey. He always said, “if you rest, you rust”.

Karl’s love for his homeland and extended family enticed him to travel back to Austria often. In fact, he skied there with his niece, Gerti and her husband Sepperl Magdalenz, almost every winter until the age of 84. He will be greatly missed in both his homeland and his adopted country.

In addition to many friends on both sides of the Atlantic, Karl will be most missed by Theresia, his beloved wife of 65 years; Karoline, Peter and Eileen (Ralph); grandchildren, Tessa (Jon) and Brandon (Nikki); and three great-grandchildren: Kaz, Makaio and Malia.

A private family gathering will be held in his honour.