Heinz A. Callsen passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026 at the DAL in Jasper.
Born on December 24, 1935, in Schleswig Holstein, Germany, his parents, Alfred and Emma Callsen raised their family on the North Sea island of Wyk auf Föhr; Heinz had two brothers and three sisters. Heinz’s dad was the island’s police chief and was well known to all of the residents.
During his almost 70 years in the Jasper area, Heinz would also become well known to Jasper locals. His “Approved Accommodation” signs still adorn many homes around Jasper. He was also a friend to tourists in need of a tire change or road-side repair, always a toolkit in his truck ready to assist.
Heinz trained as a carpenter in Germany and immigrated to Canada at the age of 19 with his friend Igor. They arrived at the port of Halifax after a 10-day crossing on the “Bremen.” From Halifax, they travelled by train to Calgary where they connected with another ex-islander, Dieter. From Calgary, Heinz could see the mountains. Later he travelled by pick-up to Hinton with a new friend, looking to work at the St. Regis pulp mill. With no available rooms in Hinton, they continued westwards to Jasper. At the Athabasca Hotel “Beer Parlour” Heinz met someone who mentioned jobs at Parks Canada. At Parks he met his life-long Jasper friend, Fred Wall, and later Fred’s wife, Rosemarie. Other early friends included Steve Berneck and Dave Bassaraba.
Heinz worked slashing the Icefield Parkway right-of-way. His carpentry skills were noticed one summer when he built a rowboat for his fishing-crazed foreman. He was reassigned as the park’s sign printer. For 30 years Heinz was a diligent Parks employee, retiring as trades foreman.
With other tradesman friends in Jasper, they built the family home at 913 Pyramid Lake Road and his beloved cabin at Gregg Lake. During Jasper’s busy summer months, Heinz found peace at the cabin, where he would listen to the creek and “watch the night come in.”
He enjoyed photography, fishing, hunting, curling and golfing. He was curious about new technology, wanting to figure out how things worked. He enjoyed playing Bingo at the Seniors Lodge and was practically undefeated at cribbage.
Heinz loved Jasper – its mountains, lakes and rivers. In later years, Heinz could be seen on his red scooter, driving to Lake Edith or Old Fort Point.
Heinz was a dedicated and loving father to Marty and Karen and grandpa to Simon, Emily and Catherine. His practical advice and down-to-earth demeanor were his trademarks.
The family extends its appreciation to Drs. Slack, Lacoursiere, Wilson and Unsworth; the nursing staff Chantal, Rose, Victoria, Helen, the DAL staff and to Ornesto, Meghan, Val and Seniors Lodge team for their care and attention to his needs. Heinz often commented on the dedication of the staff, particularly the nurses whom he called “Saints.”
Heinz’s celebration of life will be held at Gregg Lake in the summer of 2027.
Would you like to inform the public about a loved one’s passing and provide details about their life and funeral arrangements? Contact info@thejasperlocal.com
