Hans-Albert Hestler

Albert Hestler passed away recently at the age of 89, at home with the assistance of MAiD (medically assisted in dying) after a brief but powerful battle with ALS (Bulbar variety). He was lovingly surrounded by three generations of family as he said, ‘goodbye’. Albert was raised in Germany and emigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1955. He then moved to Victoria in 1969 and proceeded to raise a family, surrounded by the things he loved: music, nature, mountains, friends, his career, and his family.

His passion for history, storytelling and travel were a never-ending source of amazement and inspiration for all his family and friends. Between his immigration to Canada, settling down in Victoria, his various travels and adventures around the globe, Albert always had a story to share. He travelled the world from 1961-64, after which he spent the following years exploring closer to home in North America with his family and children, or with friends from the Alpine Club. Once retired, Albert returned to global travel and never stopped exploring, landing squarely on all five continents within his remaining years.

Albert was a father, a grandfather, and a loving partner. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Sadler, his daughter Johanna, his son Andreas and spouse Mary-Jean, his grandchildren, Isabella, Easton, and Owen; and the mother of his children, Heather Hestler. He will be remembered fondly and lovingly by all the family and friends that he touched in his remarkable life.

To mark Albert’s exceptional life, a celebration will be held in October. Details still to be figured out.

For more information, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]