KLAAS, Friedrich Gustav Willi (FRITZ)
- October 31, 2024
June 20, 1938 – July 14, 2024
It is with great sadness we share the passing of Fritz Klaas, peacefully at the Lakeshore General Hospital on July 14, 2024, following a brief but valiant battle with cancer. He leaves behind his beloved wife & partner of 63 years, Helen Komi. Predeceased by his loving parents, he will be deeply missed by his sister, Lore Leutheuser (Manfred) and cousin Inge Schwarz (Eugen) in Stuttgart, Germany, and by Helen’s family, Lea, Mike (Heather Stearns) and Kim (Alain Deschenes) Vepsa. He was cherished as a grandfather by Elina Vepsa, Aiden & Soren Deschenes. He will be lovingly remembered by his many dear friends.
Fritz was passionate about many things in his life; as a German sports car aficionado, avid cyclist, skier, hiker, and gardener, when he wasn’t by Helen’s side, Fritz could often be found exercising in the great outdoors, tending to his beautiful pollinator garden, and feeding the many birds who visited their yard. His quick wit and dry sense of humour will continue to make us smile as we recall the countless fond memories with which he left us. His was a life well and thoroughly lived.
Special thanks to all those who have gathered in support of Helen since Fritz’ unexpected passing.
A service followed by a reception will be held in the chapel of the Voluntas Commemoration funeral home, located at 4695 St-Jean Blvd., Dollard-des-Ormeaux, QC H9H 2A7 on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 11 a.m. Visitation from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lakeshore General Hospital Foundation or the Montreal Neurological Institute Foundation.
Robert & Yvonne Stearns
October 31, 2024 at 7:41 amYvonne and I met Fritz and Helen several times and we can attest to his humorous zest for life. He was so, so active. We remember the time he and Mike were biking a 100 km (or maybe it was 200-500 km?) event that took them from Ottawa and up through the valley, including our small town of Almonte. It was a bit like the Tour de France as they and the many other cyclists came whizzing along our streets here. And that was only a handful of years ago – so fit and athletic he was, even in his 80’s. From Heather and Mike, we know how hard Fritz’s death has been on Helen – and Mike too because Fritz was like a father figure to him. We send to Helen, Mike, Heather, Elina and all of the family in Toronto, Lea and Alain’s family, our sincerest condolences. We will Fritz as a person who had a passion for life.
Parvez Madon
November 7, 2024 at 11:16 pmDear Helen,
I was so saddened to hear about the loss of your husband & my dear friend Fritz.He was truly a remarkable man, a gentleman, and a kind soul. I will always cherish the memories of our time together, working alongside him and experiencing his warmth and humour.
He was a great colleague and an even better friend. His positive impact on those around him will be deeply missed.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Parvez.
Tony Carreiro
November 8, 2024 at 9:40 amDear Helen.
It is with a heavy heart that i learned of the passing of my friend Fritz.
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Unfortunately i will not be able to attend, because at the moment, i am out of town.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Nadine zaorski ayes
November 8, 2024 at 1:37 pmDear Helen, it’s been years since I’ve seen you and Fritz but you both left such a lasting mark on me that I’m so deeply saddened at his passing. He truely was someone to admire with his zest for life, activity and athletics. I envied and hope I can do half of what he was doing as I approach his age in the future. My fondest memory which I have photos of and often show to my friends 10’s of years later – was the time we all went to the race track and I got the first few laps in the Porsche that day- before the tires were warmed to stick to the track – lol- I swear we were on 2 wheels going around some of those curves – I went from being chatty to silence and Fritz said – ah Nadine it’s fine (180mph and he’s got only one hand on the steering wheel and I love thrill rides but he had me at my limit lol) – I have my picture next to the car with a helmet on/ I will cherish that memory. Please know I have thought of you both often and my thoughts are with you at this difficult time. As long as you remember him,speak of him etc he is never truely gone . He’s left a mark on dock as my. God bless you.
Nathalie & Tom Finn
November 13, 2024 at 6:03 pmDear Helen, it’s been years since we’ve seen you and Fritz. I’m so deeply saddened at reading about his passing. He truly was someone to admire. With heartfelt sympathy,