It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we mourn the passing of our beloved Adolf “Adole” Hingsberg who, surrounded by his wife, daughter and son, transitioned onto his next journey on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, nine days shy of what would have been his 85th birthday.

Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

These words perfectly capture the essence of Dad – in how he worked hard to make a living for his family and how he gave us so much more by the way in which he lived his life – with kindness, decency, generosity and humor.

Born on April 23, 1941 in Bosanska Gradiska, Yugoslavia, Adole was the adored son of Veronika and Gottfried Hingsberg and youngest dear brother to Erich and Amalija. In 1967, Dad followed in his sister Amalija’s footsteps by immigrating to Canada with his beloved, Mira. They arrived with an empty suitcase and hearts full of hope and optimism for a ‘better life’. They landed in Montreal on a Thursday, and by Monday, they had already reached Winnipeg and begun working. From the very beginning, they were committed to laying a solid foundation for themselves and their children.

Dad dedicated himself to the art of woodworking, refining his craftsmanship and artistry over the years. He learned the trade first-hand by apprenticing under his brother, Erich; and eventually, the 2 brothers partnered to establish their own business: A&E Woodworking. It was through this profession that his creativity, strong work ethic and perfectionism flourished – qualities that would become integral to his character and remain with him throughout his life.

Dad, you were a true craftsman. You really did have a knack for building, creating and fixing things. You built spring-release bird feeders from simple things like plastic bottles and scrap tin, transforming your backyard into a bird sanctuary with your thoughtful creations. When you couldn’t find the appropriate tool or part you needed, no problem... you improvised and fashioned it yourself. We often joked that you were MacGyver before MacGyver was MacGyver. You never said no to anyone who needed a helping hand; and you were steadfast at fixing whatever needed fixing – you always figured things out.

Dad, you showed us what it means to be caring, devoted and loyal. For every day of your 59 years of marriage, your love never wavered. You were an exceptional husband; remaining dedicated and loyal to your sweetheart every single day. Just last month, we celebrated your anniversary. When you asked, “How many years?” and we told you, ‘almost 60’... “Wowww,” you exclaimed then immediately added: “Now that’s love.”

The values you lived by were the ones you imparted upon us. And from you, we learned so much; not just through your words but also through your quiet example: the way you conducted yourself, the hospitable way you treated others, your selflessness and your unwavering dedication to your family.

Many will remember you as a true gentleman – always polite, considerate and sincere. ‘Thank you’, ‘Sorry’, ‘How are you?’ were part of your everyday vocabulary. Some will remember you as a quiet man or a man of few words... and while that’s true, I’m reminded of this quote: “It’s really the space between notes that makes the music you enjoy so much. Without the spaces, all you would have is one continuous noisy note. Everything that’s created comes out of silence.”

Dad, the notes you played (the words you spoke), were with intention; and the spaces (‘the quiet’ that you maintained, those unspoken words), they were intentional too.

Many will remember your bright smile and the way you often found clever and spontaneous ways to inject your sense of humor into moments that made everyone feel at ease. I’ll never forget the times we’d be crammed in an elevator (for one appt. or another) – as the doors would begin opening, you’d gesture, “Ladies first,” and then proceed to step out first yourself, leaving the rest of us behind you... laughing.

And almost everyone who met you was instantly captivated by your crystal-blue eyes. As the saying goes, “The eyes are the windows to the soul,” and yours truly were. Your beautiful spirit shone through them; those sparkling baby blues revealed a gentle, caring and authentic man.

Dad you were so proud of your family and our accomplishments, and we were equally proud of you and yours. You exemplified hard work without complaint; and when life threw you curve balls, you showed resilience without quitting and the ability to take life as it comes.

When your kidneys gave way and you had to start dialysis, you faced this new reality by looking on the bright side and acknowledging, “Things could always be worse”. When you were diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment, not once did you complain and never did you wallow in self-pity. Instead, you faced each day with strength and courage, ending each treatment with, “Šta god bude” (whatever will be)... and you defied the odds, and conquered cancer.

For all that you endured and the perseverance you showed with each challenge, it was always with grace, a warm smile, positivity and gratitude.

The outpouring of love and kind words used to describe you are a testament to your character – the man that you were and how you’ll be remembered: greatest, kindest, sweetest, caring, gentle, strong, genuine, funny, courteous, one of a kind, a real gentleman... you were exactly all of these things and so much more.

Dad, you imparted many intangible gifts during your lifetime but the greatest gift of all, was the unconditional love you gave to your family; and this will remain in our hearts forever. You are such a blessing to us and we will miss you terribly.

Now – rest peacefully; tend to your garden and birdies, and run free in a place where worries are no more.

We love you, always and forever.

~❤~