In Memory of

Armin

Dietmar

Mehnert

Obituary for Armin Dietmar Mehnert

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Armin Dietmar Mehnert (82) on 15 Feb 2021 at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay, Ontario. Husband of Ann Mehnert (nee Annegret Schmeling), they celebrated 60 years of marriage on 23 Sep. Armin is fondly remembered by their 3 children, Carol Mehnert, Norman Mehnert, Kerstin Kelly and her husband, Neil Kelly, and 3 beloved grandchildren Alexandra Moir (Kelly), Julia Holladay (Mehnert), and Jenna Mehnert. He was predeceased by his granddaughter Lauren Victoria Anne Kelly in January of 2013.

Born on the 14 Jun 1938 in Mauenwalde, Germany, Armin was the son of Berthold and Emma Mehnert (nee Grünwald). He was an East German welterweight boxing champion, escaping to West Germany in 1958, where he became a licensed industrial plumber and fitter. It was there that he married his childhood sweetheart, Ann, and with the birth of their first child and a second on the way, they emigrated to Canada in May 1962 to start a new life. From there, Armin had a varied career as a plumber, auto body and maintenance mechanic, licensed welder, hardrock miner, and homesteader in Bobcaygeon.

Following a tragic fire in Dec 1968 where their homestead house was lost, neighbours and friends rallied together to care, comfort, and assist the family to get back on their feet - the incredible kindness and compassion they experienced from the community of Bobcaygeon was never forgotten by Armin and his family.

A proud member and past Master of the Verulam Masonic Lodge, and long-time member of the Bobcaygeon Fair Board, he always enjoyed being involved in community events. He was a passionate recreational pilot and quickly became a familiar face at the Lindsay Airport, keeping it maintained and operational for many years. Many knew him as Lauren and Alexandra’s “sidelines coach” and exuberant fan at every figure skating and horse show jumping competition. He continued to amaze the dive masters on his annual vacations, scuba diving into his 80s. He will be fondly remembered for his hard-working demeanour and his sense of humour.

Our sincerest thanks to Dr. Sara Francis and the nursing staff of the Ross Memorial Hospital for their incredible care and compassion. It is hoped that a Celebration of Life can be held outdoors on Sat, 12 Jun, at 683 Skyline Rd, Oakwood. Further details to follow, closer to the date. Memorial donations to the Salvation Army or the Kids Help Phone would be appreciated by the family. To leave an on-line condolence, make a donation, share a photo or story please visit: www.jardinefuneralhome.com

"May the earliest buds of spring unfold their beauties over his resting place, and, in the bright morning of the world’s resurrection, may his soul spring into newness of life and expand into immortal beauty in realms beyond the skies."