We Remember
DRIEDIGER, Abram Douglas
February 17, 1930 — March 21, 2023
Born February 17, 1930, in Mölln, Germany, Abram Driediger passed away peacefully in Kelowna, BC, on March 21, 2023, at the age of 93 years.
Abram is survived by his son Richard (Laurie) Driediger of Spruce Grove, AB; seven grandchildren; and his sister Helen Loewen. He was sadly predeceased by his wife Dona (d. 1997); daughter Barbara (d. 2011); and son Theodore (d. 2016).
Abram started his broadcasting career in Manitoba on the radio, which lead to TV as well. He was a foreign CBC correspondent in Moscow from 1969 – 1972, and finished his career in Canada by assisting in setting up an Inuit broadcasting network in the Northwest Territories (now Nunavut).
He retired in the 1980s and ran the family cattle and horse ranch near Maple Creek, SK until he moved to Kelowna in 1989. Abram was a constant learner always reading and keeping up with current affairs. He was able to remain living independently until late 2022. He will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Abram’s favourite charity, the World Wildlife Fund.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
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World Wildlife Fund Link: www.wwf.ca
Condolences
Rick and family. While I only got to meet your dad once several years ago. He was in my life through childhood because of tv and you and your family. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Your dad was a lovely man and so very interesting. I just wanted to pass along my condolences to you and your family.
Dear Richard and Family,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your dad. I had the privilege to get to know your dad first in the summer of ‘95 and then once in a while over the years, also with my family. Whenever we stopped by to see him, he was always welcoming and we would enjoy interesting conversations. We will miss him.
Jacob and Lorinda Esau
Very sorry to learn belatedly of Ab’s passing. We worked together in the Western Arctic in the 1980s, where he was instrumental in helping to set up the first Inuvialuit language television programming as chief trainer. Ab became very close friends with me, my wife Marianne, our two boys Galen and Jonah, as well as the trainees and colleagues of the Inuvialuit Communications Society. We spent many happy hours at work, enjoying suppers together at our home, and travelling in the communities. One very cold night in Paulatuk, Ab and I had to share a cell in the RCMP lockup because there was nowhere else to stay. We have stayed in touch over the years, and will miss him. Sincere condolences to his entire family. The photo attached is from Inuvik, 1985. Left to right: me with Galen, Ab, Marianne with Jonah, Kendall Lougheed, Tom Allen and our husky, Kimik.
My condolences to the family. I also worked with Ab in Inuvik with the Inuvialuit Communication Society. We spent many Friday nights sharing dinner and stories and one memorable weekend several of us went goose hunting on the Mackenzie River Delta. He was good company and a valuable mentor
Rick, it has been so long since we have seen each other. So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. We certainly enjoyed the family meets in West Vancouver & Ottawa in the good old days. Please get in touch anytime, we’d love to reconnect.