April 30, 1929 – June 23, 2018
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Hanns Wernecke at the Lakeshore General Hospital on June 23rd at the age of 89.
Born in Hamburg in 1929, Hanns immigrated to Canada in 1951. Starting as an unskilled but diligent, young worker, he trained in the new industry as a TV repairman. After putting himself through university at Sir George Williams, he earned his teacher certification from McGill University on a scholarship. He launched his teaching career at the Lakeshore School Board, earned a Masters at McGill, and his PhD at the University of Pennsylvania while on a scholarship. Along the way, he managed to pick up four languages. In 1970 he was one of the founding teachers at CEGEP Vanier, where he taught Physics and Humanities. Hanns was very involved at Vanier, serving on the Board, active in the teachers’ union, and mentoring others, but his real joy was in working with students.
Hanns was a loving husband and father, and a fair-minded and liberated man with a quiet sense of humour. He adored Canada and the province of Québec. He found the Laurentians in his early days in Canada, and built by hand a house by a lake in the woods that he, his family, and friends enjoyed for many years. In the last several years, with his speedy rollator at hand, he took great pleasure in daily walks, coffee, and solving the problems of the world with his fellow group of convivial and determined walkers.
Survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Ellen “Mickey” Read Wernecke, and his daughter Catherine Wernecke (Philip Novak.) Predeceased by his sister, Charlotte Wernecke. Brother-in-law of Len Read, Daphne Fortin (Louis), and Nicole Angel. Cherished uncle of Birgit Loff (Alfred Luhmer), Heike Mittler (Pierre Blondel), Ellen Mittler, Christine Fortin (Kent Eyjolfson), Daniel Read (Amy Lee-Gonye), and Jonathan Read. Great Uncle to Andrea Loff, Max Blondel, Gil Blondel, Laura Christiaens, and Kase Eyjolfson.
A private family memorial will be held at a future date.
Arrangements entrusted to Voluntas (Voluntas.ca | 514-695-7979).
Surinder and Prem mahajan
July 7, 2018 at 6:50 amOur condolences. Hanns was a colleague for almost 30. Yr and also a great friend. We will miss him. May god give peace to his soul
Ruth Dunsky
July 7, 2018 at 7:54 amDear Mickey and Catherine,
I am so sorry to hear about the recent death of Hanns. My late Avrum had the greatest respect for him and enjoyed his friendship at Vanier. Although Hanns is gone, he will be forever a part of you.
Patrick
July 9, 2018 at 10:28 amI was so sorry to hear the sad news. My wife, Liliane Bolland, died just two days earlier (June 21st), was Hanns’ colleague and friend in Humanities and at the VCTA. She often told me about Hanns and it was always postive (a bit rare for Liliane!) So I feel for Mickey and all family members – particularly due to the coincidence in Hanns & Liliane’s passing.
Eric Malin
July 9, 2018 at 10:56 amMy sympathies to you, Mickey, and family. Hanns contributed profoundly for many years from the beginning days of Vanier College. Students and colleagues alike were always better off for having met and known Hanns.
Donna Moffatt
July 9, 2018 at 11:14 amMy since condolences to you and your family. As a member of the Nursing faculty my contact with Hans was rather limited until we both found ourselves on a retirement group. I enjoyed every encounter with him. He was a serious witty outspoken gentleman with a ready laugh and a good sense of humor. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
Lies Ouwerkerk
July 9, 2018 at 4:37 pmSending you my most sincere condolences. Remembering very fondly the many bicycle trips through the Laurentides and the Townships, with an always upbeat Hanns at the helm. Unforgettable. He was a wonderful man.
Angelika Maeser- Lemieux
July 9, 2018 at 4:45 pmSincere condolences to the entire family. I remember him well at Vanier–a fine man.
Arlene Steiger
July 9, 2018 at 5:56 pmI am so saddened to receive this news. I had the pleasure of sharing in the co-ordination of the Humanities Department with Hanns for a time. He heroically taught me how to use a computer. He was a wonderful colleague and a kind and generous man. My condolences to his family.
Suanne Day
July 9, 2018 at 7:04 pmDear Mickey and Catherine, I am so saddened to hear this news. Hanns was a special person. May wonderful memories make these days easier for you.
Robert Morrison
July 9, 2018 at 8:29 pmDear Mickey,
I am so sorry to read that Hanns has passed. I wish you more than condolence. May you find strength in family, friends and colleagues .
Jock Mackay
July 10, 2018 at 12:07 pmAs a colleague in the Vanier Humanities Department, Hanns was kind, resourceful and efficient to an astounding degree. His knowledge was as broad as his mind. A very special person.
Kevin Roch
July 10, 2018 at 1:34 pmMy sincere condolences to the family. Hanns was a very kind and generous man who was loved by everyone at Vanier.
Pat Tedford
July 11, 2018 at 1:47 pmBruce and I wish to express our sincere condolences. Hanns quietly effected many initiatives at Vanier and was part of a core group of dedicated educators who shaped Vanier College. He enlivened many a lunch conversation with his knowledge and wit. His kindness and inclusiveness shaped many interactions in all segments of the college; his accomplishments were considerable. In latter years, Bruce joined the lively Vanier retirees lunch group and came to recognize the fine person Hanns was and returned home with insights and information. Hanns will be greatly missed by his many friends and admirers. Pat Tedford
Barbara Morkill
August 13, 2018 at 10:59 amDear Mrs. Wernecke, you and your husband were my two favourite math teachers in the very early 60s when I was a student at Mac Elementary and Mac High. I remember you both fondly and can still see your smiles! As an elementary schooler, I loved being sent to Mr. Wernecke’s classroom for math and looked forward to both the challenge and the fun of going beyond the textbook. I was happy to discover that he was a “lifelong learner” and went on to influence the lives of many students and colleagues at different levels of education. My condolences to you and your family.