Heinz Vifian
June 21, 1931 – Dec. 05, 2020
Heinz Peter Vifian passed away peacefully at the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital on Saturday, Dec. 05 at 6:00 pm. He was 89.
Heinz grew up in Adelboden, Switzerland. There he acquired a life long passion for skiing and outdoor adventure.
In 1952, Heinz immigrated to Canada. He made his way to Alberta and it didn’t take long for him to discover and settle in Banff. Heinz tried his hand a many things but his main interest was skiing. Heinz worked as a ski instructor and eventually became the director of the Mt. Norquay ski school. He operated the ski school and the ski shop for many years in the 1960’s. He also worked for Brewster Transport and developed a new passion for introducing visitors to the Rocky Mountains.
Heinz lived in Vancouver for a while in the 1970’s but eventually returned to Banff and became involved in a few business ventures including Pinkies Laundry on Caribou Street. In the early 1980’s, he returned to Brewster Transport to resume his job as a driver/guide. Heinz truly loved showing visitors his part of the world. He made many friends along the way.
In 1992, Heinz moved to Canmore and retired a few years later. In his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his friends and he continued to ski and take part in many other outdoor activities. As recently as last year, Heinz could be seen riding his bike along the Legacy Trail from Canmore to Banff. He also travelled extensively and had many wonderful adventures.
Heinz never married but he was loved and will be missed by his family in Switzerland and his many friends in Canada and around the world.
Thanks to Dr. Triska and the staff of the Banff Mineral Springs hospital for taking such good care of Heinz in his final days.
Heinz didn’t want a celebration of life but as a way to remember him, please consider making a donation to the Nature Conservancy of Canada or to the Salvation Army.
