Egon Woerlein

Egon Georg David Woerlein was born in the small Bavarian town of Erlangen-Bruck, Germany on September 12, 1920. He was the third of four children and the last surviving sibling. Egon was a worldly gentleman who believed in the strength of family, the importance of hard work
and the need to have a daily purpose.

Although the angels guided his spirit away from earth prior to his goal of 100-years, Egon is a testament to what it means to live life to the fullest. During his 98-plus-years, he travelled the globe, lived through a depression, fought in a world war, added the finishing carpentry to some of the finest hotels in BC, knew every waterfall worth visiting in the country, also knew which roads to travel in North America, Bavaria and Austria without having to reference to a map.

He held a license until he was 95-years-old, became an avid bowler until his knees struck out, made countless friends over the years and always had time for afternoon coffee and cake.

In the early 40s, he found true love when he spotted his soon-to-be bride, Charlotte, on a bus in Berlin. Together they would raise six children. In 1953, they sailed to Canada and began a new
life in Toronto, Ontario. Years later, they celebrated the birth of 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, each a growing branch of the family tree. Once widowed, Egon found companionship in Margaret; a dear friend with whom he shared the later years of his life.

Egon made the most of every day. He woke up with a purpose and put his plans into action. He always rose from bed, showered and got dressed before breakfast. This ensured he started the
day off to a great start, for every day was an opportunity for another adventure. When asked how he stayed so healthy at an elder age, Egon would tell people that the secret to a long life is to do something new every day. He applied this motto to his parenting style, which was a blessing, for over the years he took every family member on one or more momentous trips. If you ask any child or grandchild about a favourite memory, it will likely involve a road trip somewhere in Canada or Germany…and if not that, then summers at the cottage!

Egon greeted each day and every person he met with a smile on his face. His heart was big and full of love for every new adventure and encounter. Egon was a man of poise and grace. He was
honest, humble and calm. He thought before speaking and only spoke the truth. He was the string that wove the tapestry of his family together and will forever live on in our hearts.