Gerhard Heinrich Peter Strieck

Born in 1935 in Würzburg, Germany, Gerhard graduated as a Dipl. Engineer from the Technische Universität in Munich, Germany. Always looking for a thrill, he earned his glider pilot license while a student. He met and married his lifelong partner, Ilse, at a tennis club, and they married in 1967. The following year the dynamic duo emigrated to Sault Ste. Marie, Canada and made it their life-long home. Gerhard was a loving father to Kirsten (Blake), Katia (Richard), and Annette. He was immensely proud of his grandchildren Kathryn (Taron), Anna, Maja, Madeleine, and Tez. The grandchildren spent many happy summers during their childhood with their Papa in the cool air of Northern Ontario.

Gerhard was renowned for always doling out sage advice. Some of our favourites, which will go down in family lore, include “Don’t get old!”, “If in doubt, don’t”, “If you can’t be good, be careful”, and “Love many, trust few, and always paddle your own canoe,” to name a few. He was responsible for teaching us all to use our “brains, not brawn” and making sure we all learned to appreciate the power of using a lever to get just about any job done that at first may have appeared to be too hard.

Gerhard worked at Algoma Steel for much of his professional career. In retirement he turned to the arts and taught himself advanced woodworking, making many beautiful pieces of furniture and wooden bowls. He and Ilse enjoyed traveling, gardening, spending time at their secret spot at Batchewana Bay and the cottage. You could always rely on Gerhard to oversee any variety of projects that needed looking after in the house.

Cremation has taken place. A service and celebration of life are planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation, the SOS Children’s Villages, or Zion Lutheran Church. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton and Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East, 705-759-2522). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Strieck family.