He was the beloved husband of Marianne Birkenhauer (nee Weiss) for 64 years who passed away recently. Loving father to Martin and loving father-in-law to Lori. Devoted and cherished Opa to Eric and Ellen. Predeceased by son Frank (1978). Heinz was born in Auerbach, Germany to Henrietta and Georg Birkenhauer. Predeceased by brother Kurt and sister Margarete (Speckhardt) and survived by sister Ella (Kaessberg).
Heinz met Marianne while working as a tool and die maker in Germany. In 1952, they immigrated to Canada and raised a family in Galt, Ontario. Heinz was a true craftsman who could fabricate or repair almost anything and a patient teacher who willingly shared his skills with others. He built the family home and cottage. Heinz spent much of his working career in Canada with Mimik Ltd. in Cambridge and the University of Waterloo Engineering Machine Shop. He was a devoted Toronto Maple Leafs fan. An avid hiker, he enjoyed nature walks with family and friends. He was generous and supportive. Words fail to express how greatly he will be missed by family and friends.
Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be conducted in the chapel of Coutts Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 96 St. Andrew’s St., Cambridge, on Saturday January 31, 2015 at 2:30 PM. Refreshments will be served following the service.
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