KARGL, PETER & ELLA (WALD)
Peter, born in Vienna, Austria, June 22, 1923 died tragically on June 30 at KGH on the same day after suffering a fall in his dream home. He just had celebrated his 92nd birthday on June 22nd with family. He is survived by his daughter Claudia Kargl, son-in-law Jim Gray and his grandson Christian Kargl-Simard (Toronto at Raymond James Ltd.). Peter was an avid gardener and considered his beautiful home and garden his island of paradise. He loved the mountains and his home country Austria where he obtained from the Technical University in Vienna a master’s degree in physics and a professional engineer designation. Peter was sharp as a fox until the very end and had a great mathematical mind. He was so proud of his grandson Christian who earned his professional engineer status from his studies at UBC. Peter met the love of his live Ella (Wald), born November 14, 1926 in Vienna, and they got married February 16, 1952. They left war torn Austria to start a new life in Canada with only two suitcases and $200 to their name. They embarked on their new life’s journey onboard a boat of the Cunard liner that set sail from Le Havre to Quebec City and then took a train to Montreal not knowing a soul. Through saving, sacrifice and commitment they built up their fortune starting with building a home in the countryside outside Montreal amidst a wildlife sanctuary of Mt. St. Hilaire on a street named after the famous Quebec painter, Ozias Leduc. Peter, working at Northern Telecom (Nortel), and Ella devoted their lives to bringing up their daughter in the field of music and piano performance. Ella enriched her multi-arts talents in custom design, culinary arts and painting. She was an artist with many “hats” and she pursued her love for painting at Concordia University with master classes with the famous painter Armand Tatossian. Ella was a passionate impressionist artist who found inspiration in nature and in the works of Van Gogh and the Canadian Group of 7 Painters. Her bold and vibrant
textured oil paintings are in homes across Canada and
also in USA, Austria and Germany as well as Claudia’s
open to the public Ad Lib Gallery in West Kelowna.
Peter was one of the leading founders in fibre optics
and was very instrumental at the Calgary Olympic.
Upon retirement in Calgary from Nortel, Peter and Ella found their dream spot, where they built their house, in
West Kelowna overlooking the Okanagan Valley which
reminded them very much of their favorite spot Millstadt in Carinthia, Austria. Both Peter and Ella were involved with SLR and Peter made several presentations as an SLR
leader. Peter was awarded as an honorary member. Peter and Ella loved each other dearly and were soul mates until the passing of Ella on May 25, 2008 at the KGH after a long hard battle with cancer. Peter devoted his passion to
gardening, growing organic produce in his vegetable garden and being very much involved with Kelowna SLR. He also enjoyed contributing and being involved in the popular
SLR music appreciation courses that Claudia led. Peter had a passion for Austrian history, Classical music, piano performance and political and international affairs.
Peter is now reunited with his beloved Ella and they can
finally find eternal peace together. A private family
ceremony is planned to celebrate their new journey at
their requested final resting place in the Rockies.
Condolences may be sent to the family
by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com
250-860-7077.