In Celebration of

Heinz Dieter Poenn

September 11, 1934 - October 23, 2016

Heinz Dieter Poenn passed away on Sunday, October 23 at the Little Current Health Centre, surrounded by his family. Born in Fürth, Germany in 1934, Heinz was a long-time resident of Holland Landing, Ontario. He immigrated to Canada in 1957 and made significant contributions to the Ontario white-water paddling community. He was a Canadian champion white-water slalom kayaker and member of the national team competing in the Münich Olympics in 1972. He was a national and provincial team coach for many years and an executive member of the international canoe federation. Heinz owned a stainless steel manufacturing company in Vaughan, Ontario. Heinz was predeceased by his beloved wife, Edith, his sister Waltraut and his nephew Michael Pönn. He is survived by his loving spouse Norma McDermott, and his children Dieter (Siska) Poenn, Heide (D’arcy) Paquet and Shylo Smith. He is survived also by his grandchildren Nicholas (Amber), Kristen (Andrew), Jonathan and Heide Poenn and Nicole and Michael Paquet, his brothers Horst and Klaus Pönn, his nephews Christian and Roland Pönn, his sister-in-law Ida Brandt-Kühn and his niece Brigitte (Richard) Brandt-Welzel and her children Richard (Rebecca) Brandt-Welzel and Melissa (Grant) Brandt-Welzel. Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Butler Chapel, 4933 Dundas St. W, Etobicoke, (Between Islington and Kipling Aves) on Friday from 7 – 9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 9 a.m. In memory of Heinz donations may be made to the Manitoulin Health Centre, 11 Meredith St. Little Current, ON P0P 1K0. On line condolences may be made at www.turnerporter.ca.

Guestbook

(5 of 6)

Lorne Tippett (Heinz coached me as a young man.)

Entered October 26, 2016 from Salt Spring Island, B.C.

I have fond memories of Heinz standing out in all weather conditions coaching white water paddling skills to myself and others on both provincial and national levels. He was a role model for community service. My thoughts are with his family and all the people he has inspired. I will certainly be out on the water this week and will think of him.

Walt Sepic (a paddler in the Humber River race since the '90's.)

Entered October 26, 2016 from Inverary

He's probably enjoying the thrill of white water again.

Dave Riley (Thankful Recipient of Years of Coaching and Friendship)

Entered October 27, 2016

My thoughts go to the many hours spent with Heinz on river banks all over Canada. Not only did he teach me how to paddle a slalom course but he welcomed me into a group that taught me how to be dedicated, focused and work hard while having fun - all skills that have been so key to helping me enjoy a meaningful and rewarding life off of the river as well. It still amazes me the time and energy he devoted to all of us guys with little in return other than sharing the good times of the group. I'll always remember his good nature and almost permanent grin.

As I'm out of the country for a few months, I will not be able to make the service, but my thoughts will turn to him many times over the few days as I remember the rich times spent with him and his selfless devotion to so many young paddlers across the province.

Michael & Joanna Twitchin (Friend)

Entered October 29, 2016 from Kilworthy, ON

So sorry for your loss.

Linda (Goslar) Bier (Family friend)

Entered October 29, 2016 from Caledon

Dear Heide and Dieter,
I'm so sorry to hear about your father's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families during this difficult time.
Linda