Our eyes tear for your loss, but also because of the love and joy we see in the family photos posted to this site. It was clear that Mr. Huempfner was at the centre of his family's affection! Cherish every memory. Our prayers are with you.. Athena, Fort & Abby

We never forgot the story about his working at Hamilton Gear in Toronto and because he was always very exact in his measurements it of course took a little longer and one time his foreman got a little impatient and told him that the gear was done and it was fine!

Dad responded with "No it wasn't fine and he was not going to put his name to this work because it wasn't done correctly" The foreman continued to pressure him and Dad finally gave in and told him, "Arch ... I don't agree, but you are the foreman and as far as I am concerned if you say it is good enough, then i is good enough for Canada! .... But it would never pass in Germany and that's where I learned my trade!"

Occasionally when his grandson John would work alongside him on a project he remembers his grandfather being so exact that he would cut a 2 x 4 down to the 64th of an inch and John recalls telling him that hey weren't building a cabinet, just cutting a 2 x 4!

So for all of you who wonder where you get your perfectionist behaviour ... wonder no more!

Grampa and Grama met at a dance where Grama had gone to on her own. He enquired after the dance if he could take her home. She said "No.". But he insisted and she agreed and he walked her home. He tried to see what kind of a girl grama was and found out that she was very good girl and told him off! He left. The next day Grama's brother Joe (who was a good friend to grampa) called Grama and suggested that she come to visit his place. However, he also called Grampa and suggested the same thing. Obviously he was playing matchmaker! And it worked. They both showed up and then they all went to a soccer game and on the way to the soccer game grama promptly let grampa know that she didn't need anyone to walk her home unless he was serious because she didn't need a boyfriend. And she could find her way home by herself.

He promised her on the spot that he would marry her! Talk about gettting right to the point on the 1st date!

They met in September and got engaged in September and married in February the following year!

Congratulations on short courtship and engagements and long marital life!

Waiting for grampa to arrived by train and he didn't get off. The train came and went and grama waited for another train. By the time he arrived on the other train grama was ready to break off their relationship and call it quits. And told him so in no uncertain terms that he wasn't allowed to let her wait that long anymore!

Poor Grampa ... how was he going to let her know that he couldn't come earlier because he had to pick up his Grandmother (our Uhr Oma) from another train station and could only come to meet Grama after she had arrived. So when he arrived he had of course his grandmother with him and she was introduced to Grama. Of course we know that grama forgave Grampa because they married and lived happily ever after!

I don't recall any more stories where grampa arrived late. And of course I was taught NEVER to be late! Wonder where that comes from!?

Dad was a great story teller, provoking vivid imaginative thoughts. There was always something you'd miss the first time around, so you'd need to hear the stories over and over again, especially of the old country. We don't know how blessed we are here!

Dad loved surprises, be it something planned for him or something he planned for someone else. Like the time he planned a surprise anniversary party for Mother. Only she wasn't so impressed and to this day hates surprises. . .

I think it was grade 6 or 7 science class we had to build a weather measuring devise. I chose a hygrometer, which turned out to be a bit more than I could manage, so Dad helped me - actually he kinda built it. I got a failing grade because it was too good and the teacher knew I couldn't possibly have made it myself.

Once when I was very young, I insisted Dad take me fishing. Off we went to the Humber River, where I proceeded to be Chatty Cathy. Dad said we wouldn't catch any fish with me talking so much, but I had a blast!

Dad used to take us tobaggoning down a golf course (mountain to me) hill, just off of Scarlett Road. There were annual summer time trips to Centre Island, High Park, James Gardens and our annual vacation to Olah's Cottages in Sauble Beach. There would inevitably be fried chicken for the trip, homemade of course, mom frying at 5:00 a.m. Every year at the beach, we'd have burgers from the burger joint on the beach and what a thrill that was! And the times Dad would try to teach Mom to drive. . .AHEM, I said try!

Dad was always there to lend a hand whenever help was needed. He always loved a good time and a good laugh. We will miss him terribly, but he lives in our hearts and in our memories.

We love you Dad

xo

As a child we used to go to Grandma and Grandpas house when they lived in Georgetown. Grandpa would take me to the corner store called Beckers where they sold milk in jugs. He would buy me Trident pink bubblegum. It was a special treat and a very enjoyable and memorable time that we shared. There are so many sweet times with him, he is very special to me and to all of us. I love you Grandpa.

Michele and I are very sorry to hear about your loss. Unfortunately, we understand the sorrow. Please remember that we can assist you when you need help - feel free to call us. Our condolences.

I am so sorry for your loss. This is very close to home for me as we are losing our loved ones within a few weeks of one another. My deepest condolences.

Dear Tanya: I am so very sorry to hear the news about your grand-father. Please know that we will be remembering him and upholding all of you in our prayers at St. Hilary's this week and this Sunday. It sounds like he lived a full life. May he rest from his labours and rise in glory. God keep you all. Paul+

May your Happy Times and Fond Memories help get you all through this difficult time. Special thoughts go out to-His Beloved Wife,Kathe,Daughter and Son-In-Law, Helene and Drew ,and his GrandDaughter, Shannon Hampton.

Mr. Huempfner family .I am very sorry to hear about his passing at John Noble HomeHe was my late boyfriend Don roomateHe was such a nice man especially when Don was going My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this Time Veronica Jordan

Hans and Kathe celebrated a total of 63 years of marriage and had many ups and downs, but never gave up. He was always one to make sure that everything was in good working order and never did we ever know him to be irresponsible. His greatest concern was always for the welfare of his family and he worked hard even to the last few weeks to ensure that his wife was going to be all right. His strength of character and sense of duty are a legacy to him. He had the heart of a family man and was respected and loved by all his family. He was full of wit and humour, always ready for a good joke and never known to pass up the opportunity to tease the grandchildren! He was ever so proud of his family and always enjoyed the great grandchildren even rolling around on the floor with them.

Hans was employed for more than 34 years at Hamilton Gear and Machine Company on Dupont St in Toronto and his greatest achievement boasted of making the gears which open and close the (Sky Dome's) Rogers Centre roof. He even "put my initials on that!" We can attest to the fact that if he made something or fixed something it was done right! It was a yearly tradition to watch the Santa Claus Parade from the scaffolding that Hamilton Gear built inside the walls of their property for their employees' families enjoyment and afterwards to enjoy coffee, hot cocoa and donuts!

In 1954 the family, consisting of Hans, Katharina, Elfie and Opa (on mother's side) received immigration status to Canada, so in October they boarded the Arosa Kulm for the ocean crossing to start their new life in Canada. It was a rough voyage and Hurricane Hazel was roaring over the waters tossing the Arosa Kulm over the waves with many of the passengers becoming sea sick. It was only he and Elfie one day in the large dining hall while Mom and Opa remained in their beds! The clean up from the after effects of the Hurricane as it hit the Toronto area ultimately became his first job after they arrived in Toronto's Union Station.

Dear, Helene: I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I had a sense of the close bond you and your wonderful dad shared. I remember the great sense of loss felt when I also loss my dad but we can both be thankful they left us peacefully in their sleep. There is not much more we could have prayed for on their behalf. I know your entire family was a great consolation to him and that you were able to spend many meaningful times together - especially when we saw you together at the market. I am certain those times will last forever in your memory! This is always the most difficult of times but please know, that in our belief, they have gone to a much better place they have longed for - and they will be waiting for us so we can once more share the times He will provide for us all. If there is anything we can do for you, please do not hesitate to let us know and we will hope to see you during the next couple of days. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers and that he wants you to remember the good times you all shared. Love, Bob and Nancy

Dear Kathe and Family; You have our deepest sympathy, but it really doesn't help. Your grief goes beyond what words can express. There's nothing anyone can say, and nothing we can do to heal your broken hearts or take away your pain. Let God take you in His arms and cover you with His love. He knows the depth of your grief and only He can give your peace. He knows it will take time for your heart to heal, and your loved one has a place that no one else can fill. With love Grazyna and Tomasz