Lothar Frank Olbrich

Lothar Olbrich was born on September 8, 1942, in Gerlachsheim, Germany, the youngest of four children of Fritz and Charlotte Olbrich. Alongside his siblings — Inge, Helga, and Günter — he spent his early childhood during a time of upheaval. In 1945, following the turmoil of World War II, the family was forced to leave their home village and resettle in Ohlenrode, where Lothar grew up.

As a young man, he began an apprenticeship as a blacksmith, a trade that would shape his life for many years. At age 27, he earned his hunting license, and from then on the forest became a second home. In 1964, he married his first wife, with whom he had a daughter, Sabine. They built a home in Harbarnsen, where Lothar worked as a blacksmith for 25 years. Though life later took him in new directions, he remained a respected and well-liked man in Germany, remembered for his charm and warmth.

After his divorce in 1983, Lothar took on work opportunities that brought him to Sweden and later to North America. In 1987, seeking a fresh start, he made the life-changing decision to move permanently to Vancouver, Canada. Though leaving Germany was difficult — especially for his daughter Sabine and granddaughter Melanie and grandsons Marco and Marcel (and their combined 6 great grandchildren)— he carried deep affection for his family throughout his life.

In Vancouver, Lothar began a new chapter with his wife, Hermine, and his stepson, John. Drawing on his considerable skill in the trades, he built a long and respected career in construction and woodworking. Known for his craftsmanship and quiet professionalism, Lothar formed many enduring friendships with colleagues and clients alike. Woodworking was not only his livelihood but also a source of genuine pride and enjoyment. Lothar found great joy in family life, especially spending time with John and later with his wife, Patricia, and their children, Daniel and Adrian. His grandchildren were a constant source of happiness, and he loved sharing everyday moments with them. His home over the years was also brightened by the companionship of the dogs he cared for deeply. An outdoorsman at heart, Lothar loved nature — hunting, fishing, hiking, or simply being outside with friends who meant the world to him.

Thoughtful, gentle, and quietly steady, he valued reliability, companionship, and the simple pleasures of time spent with those he loved. Lothar was predeceased by his beloved wife, Hermine. He will be remembered warmly for his kindness, his craftsmanship, and the love he brought into the lives of family and friends across two continents.