Hans Traber

In the stillness of the early morning on June 15, 2017, in his 95th year, our cherished Dad, Father-in-Law and Aetti, Hans Traber left us. Hans is predeceased by his beloved wife Evi, and his sister Vreni. This great man and his wit, wisdom, intelligence, love and generosity will be forever missed by son Chris, daughter Renata (Dwight Richardson), grandkids Matthew and Thomas Richardson and Paige Traber.

A long life well lived, Hans was a remarkable man, ethical, accomplished and well travelled. Born in Unterseen, Swizterland, Hans was a loving son and brother, natural athlete and academic.

During WWII, Dad proved to be a strong and capable leader in the Swiss Military and was in the mountain force overseeing a squad of specialized soldiers.

Dad became a flour milling apprentice and excelled (there wasn’t much in Dad’s life he didn’t embrace and master).

At the age of 23 Dad managed the Swiss-owned Molina Cundinamarca in Cajicá, Colombia.

After 10 years, Dad was transferred to Toronto with Buhler. After almost two decades, Dad’s career with Buhler took the family to the Philippines, Singapore and back to Toronto. He retired from the company as President and Chairman of the Board.

We lost our dear Mom to cancer when she and Dad were 56. Dad enjoyed the companionship of Jane Burton and Sylvia Muller in his later years.

So many accomplishments: a proud Rotarian, Dad was President of the Don Mills Chapter and the Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce. He earned a Harvard MBA and was also a graduate/fellow of the Alexander Hamilton Management Course. A wonderful cook, Dad loved family and friends at his table sharing good food and good wine and was a champion marksman with the Swiss Rifle Club.

One of Dad’s proudest moments was to reach Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro at age 60.

An avid golfer, Dad played internationally and, at age 80, shot his age at Donalda Golf Club.

We are forever grateful to dear friends Marjorie Johnston and Phyllis Warnes for their wonderful care of Dad at his home and to the staff at Bethany Lodge for the kind and exceptional caregiving they provided during the last 18 months of Dad’s life.

Donations in Dad’s memory can be made to Bethany Lodge, Markham, Ontario or The Salvation Army.

Details for a Celebration of Life will be available soon. Condolences may be made at www.rskane.ca.