Carl Heinz Fredrick Ahrens

Carl Heinz Fredrick Ahrens passed away in the presence of family in his longtime home in Vancouver, Washington on June 8th, 2021. Carl was born in Yakima, Washington on January 29th, 1936, to Carl Heinz Richard George Ahrens and Edna (née) Russert. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Gay; his sister Sharon Thomas; his daughters Tess, Helen, Karen, and Lynette; and his twelve grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carl lived a life full of service, travel, stories, generosity, and cheer. He served as the Event Services Manager at the Portland Memorial Coliseum for 25 years and played a key role in the opening of the Rose Garden before his retirement. Before that, he worked as a carpenter and was a high school track star before joining the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was also a man of faith and previously served as president of Messiah Lutheran Church, and among other things, frequently played a wiseman in the church's Christmas service. Over the course of six decades, he and Gay enthusiastically opened their home to support many family members, friends, friends of family, and friends who became family. He and Gay spent six years as volunteers for the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry where he shared his love of learning and puzzles with children and adults alike-even at 85 years old he was still always excited to learn something new. Whenever Gay started some new creative pursuit, if Carl did not already possess some complementary skill set, he was quick to learn one. He was a raconteur who made it easy to start chatting and tough to stop. Yet, he was always as eager to share a story and a laugh as to lend an ear, a word of encouragement, or a shoulder to cry on. Carl was also an excellent cook and baker who was quick to share the gift of food on occasions both big and small-from Thanksgiving dinners and pies and Christmas breads and cookies, to cooking breakfast for his wife in the morning. Carl also loved to see the world and traveled to 15 different countries, and all 50 states. He especially enjoyed spending time in national parks and exploring the natural beauty of the great outdoors while making memories with family and friends. Baker of breads, maker of friends, worker of wood, walker of trails, teller of tales, husband, brother, father, grandfather, friend. Carl's family and friends will gather to celebrate his life on July 26th at 2 pm at Messiah Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, donations in Carl's honor are welcomed for the Messiah Lutheran Church Quilters, where Gay and fellow quilters make beautiful blankets and spread the gift of warmth in support of Lutheran World Relief.

Carl Heinz Fredrick Ahrens

January 29, 1936 - June 8, 2021