Kurt Walter Hering

April 19, 1926 - April 23, 2026

A truly remarkable man who achieved another of his goals by reaching 100 years of age.

Kurt celebrated his 100th Birthday with family, friends and neighbours and then passed away peacefully just days later.

Born in Chemnitz Germany, he immigrated to Canada in the early 1950s after a time as an interpreter for the British troops in Austria. Hired initially as a mechanic for VW Canada, he was one of their very first employees. A few weeks after being hired, the Chief Executive noticed the quality of his English and asked that Kurt accompany him on a 6-week road trip in order to sign up distributors for the VW Beetle. After a successful trip, Kurt was appointed Field Service Rep. for all of Eastern Canada and soon thereafter became National Fleet Sales Manager. In addition to his responsibilities for marketing, sales and distribution of VW, Porsche and Audi, Kurt added "fitness guru" to his duties and headed up a track-and-field team representing VW Canada. In fact, Kurt was a devoted athlete all of his life. He was a member of the Cdn. Masters Track and Field Assoc., and as a Senior was seeded 8th in the world in Decathlon. He was also a member of the Scarb. Tennis Club and the Tam Heather Tennis Club. An avid skier and golfer, he enthusiastically shared his love of sport with his family.

Kurt travelled extensively, first competing around the world and then with his wife Xian whom he met in Austria in 1988. Even after mandatory retirement from VW Canada in 1991, VW Germany asked Kurt to run the plant in Mexico. So, Kurt and Xian quickly transplanted themselves to live in Mexico for 3 years where they thoroughly enjoyed the people and the culture.

Kurt lived a long and interesting life. He was loved, admired and respected. He leaves friends, colleagues and especially family bereft. Survived by his loving wife Xian, his sons Curt (Lisa) and Alex (Angie), 5 grandchildren: Kirsten, Meghan, Andrew, Allison and Austin and 2 great grandchildren: Kayce and Xander.

Memorial Visitation at Paul O’Connor Funeral Home; 1939 Lawrence Ave. E. Scarborough, ON, M1R 2Y8, on Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 12 noon until the time of the Memorial Service at 1 PM.