Passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 5th, 2023 in his 96th year. He was predeceased by Jean, his loving and devoted wife of 64 years, as well as by his sisters, Lotti and Gudrun.
Wilfred was born on January 6th, 1928 in Hildesheim / Germany. He lost 13 of his maternal relatives in the bombing of the city in March 1945. In 1952, he came to Canada with $100 in his pocket, of which he spent $60 for his marriage to Jean. He and Jean worked hard at various jobs to pay for Wilfred's way through Queen’s and McGill University. He graduated a member of the first graduating class from Queen's University Law Faculty in 1960.
Wilfred had his own international law practice in downtown Ottawa, where he specialized in building German-Canadian economic partnerships, representing many German businesses and families in Canada. Furthermore, he got engaged extensively in the diplomatic relationship between the two countries after World War II. In both areas he was very successful and highly esteemed. He sat on the board of directors of many international companies and lobbied the government on their behalf to do business in Canada. Additionally, he and Jean were well-known as perfect and entertaining hosts.
In 2012, he was certified as a Life Member of the Law Society of Upper Canada having been a member in good standing for over 50 years. In the same year, Wilf was also appointed an Honorary Member for life of the Canadian Bar Association.
Notwithstanding all these accolades, he continued to work until he was 90 years old. Wilf had a brilliant mind and was extremely studied in the areas of politics, history and literature. Towards his family and friends he was loyal and empathetic - they could always rely on him.
Private Funeral Arrangements
We were neighbours of Wilfred and Jean for many years in Beckwith and we are shocked to hear of his death. My wife and I wish to send our condolences to the family