PAUL KRAUSS

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PAUL KRAUSS It is with sadness that we announce the death of Paul Krauss P.Eng., aged 87, at the Riverview Health Centre on February 3, 2014. He will be lovingly remembered by Hildegard, his wife of 59 years, and children Janette (Wolfgang), Susanne (Norman) and Michael (Maureen). Paul was born on May 29, 1926, in Fulda, Germany. He was the son of Hans and Hedwig Krauss and grew up in Giengen/Brenz with his three sisters Gertrud, Lore and Hilde. In his youth he learned the trade of bricklaying, helped to rebuild the University of Stuttgart and later attended that same school. In 1954 he graduated as a civil engineer, married Hildegard and shortly after they emigrated to Winnipeg. Early experience was gained at Vulcan Iron Works, engineering projects in Brandon and the city of Winnipeg's bridge office. In 1956 he began working with an engineering firm that led to his partnership in the enterprise Crosier, Krauss and Greenberg Consulting Civil and Structural Engineers. In 1964 he opened his own practice, Krauss and Associates, and for almost two decades he had clients and projects throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Northwestern Manitoba. During his long career he earned a respected reputation for detailed structural engineering, construction inspection and the transformation of architects' designs into built realities. His credo was to be exacting and economical and he expressed these values creatively in patented trusses and structural concrete foundations designed specifically for the harsh climate in northern Manitoba and the shifting soils of the Red River Valley. His legacy is the many hotels, warehouses, churches, homes and commercial buildings that stand safely because Paul contributed his skills to their secure construction. Paul loved sailplanes and first flew at the age of 14 in Germany where gliding was popular. To help introduce the sport locally, in 1964 he was a founding member of the Red River Gliding Club. He bestowed his passion in Janette who joined him as a glider pilot. The social group that was enthusiastic for the sport became his circle of friends for life. Through middle age he struggled with multiple sclerosis but the disabling effects of the disease rarely held him back from pursuing his interests. He built beautiful homes for his family in the country and in the city. He took great pride in welcoming friends to the house on a wooded lot near St. Genevieve; it was the site of many happy gatherings for birthdays, barbeques and costumed Fashing parties. The family would like to thank the caring staff of Ward C2 at the Riverview Health Centre who provided tender care during his final years. In keeping with his wishes a private memorial has been held to celebrate Paul's life. Donations may be made in his memory to the Riverview Health Centre Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 08, 2014