Elmar Andreas Duell

Elmar Andreas Duell was born 21 June 1926 in Bavaria. At age 14 he was selected to attend Teachers College. His studies were interrupted in 1944 by his conscription into the German Army. Captured during the Battle of the Bulge in January 1945, he spent the next 2 ½ years clearing minefields in Normandy and was one of three that survived out of 500. Repatriated to Germany and unable to resume his studies, Elmar worked first for the French Military Government (Switchboard Operator), then as an investigator for the United Nations Tracing Service. His last five years prior to immigration to Canada in May of 1957 Elmar worked for a Pipe Organ Company, corresponding with clients around the Globe in English, French and German. Elmar realized during his captivity that the only way to prevent future wars between the European Nations was the creation of a United, Free Europe based on mutual trust and understanding. Dedicating many years of his life to this noble, idealistic cause, he worked very hard towards its realization, became the local President of the European Youth Movement, culminating in the proud Proclamation of his home town as the first EUROPETOWN in 1953.

Two years after his arrival in Canada, Elmar joined the Canadian Forces and began a distinguished career in Administration and Logistics proudly serving his chosen country in various locations in Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Elmar married Olga in February 1969. A special highlight of his military career was the four years he spent with the Royal 22me Regiment in Germany's Black Forest, where his outstanding performance was adjudged worthy of the Military Medal of Merit. Elmar rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer before retiring in November of 1978, beginning a career in the procurement field of the Federal Public Service, retiring for the final time in 1989 and settling in Chilliwack, BC. Elmar and his wife Olga enjoyed their retirement years in Chilliwack, travelled extensively, including their countries of birth, Germany and Brazil.

Elmar was sadly predeceased by his beloved wife Olga in 2019 and was greatly missed. Elmar leaves to celebrate his memory his son Henry and his wife Patty, four grandsons and their children, Herbert, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Brazil and the United States as well as his countless friends in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.