With profound sadness and a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Theobald (Ted) August on Thursday August 29, 2024 at 1:50pm peacefully at Copernicus Lodge after a prolonged illness and complications from Dysphasia.
Cherished and loving husband for 64 years to Lore.
Ted was born March 2, 1931 to parents Franz Heinrich and Emma (nee Schreurer) in Oberhausen, Germany.
Predeceased by his parents and sister Linda, mourned by his sister Maria (Ludwig), nieces Dr. Eva-Maria Blum (Pedro), Nicole Maier and Nephews Karl Ludwig (Doris), Heiner Blum (Helma) and grandnephew Karl-Leo Blum, all living in Germany and Portugal.
During Ted’s primary education, his parents soon realized that he was academically gifted and enrolled him in a private boys’ school where he excelled particularly in Mathematics, Latin and English languages. Unfortunately, this institute of learning was destroyed due to bombing during World War II and all students and their teachers were transferred to Schoenwald in The Black Forest for further education. In 1945, the school unfortunately was bombed and all students had to leave. Ted made his way on foot to his hometown approximately 300 kilometres away during heavy bombardment eventually reaching his hometown. Once there he was dispatched to a big farm owned by a sugar manufacturing company in order to qualify and receive food stamps.
His intent and desire was to study engineering eventually graduating as a master engineer with the discipline of bridge construction. The goal unfortunately was denied him due to circumstances beyond his control and he eventually had to choose the study of agriculture graduating with honours in 1951 from the agricultural college in Bruchsal, Germany. In addition, he enrolled in courses becoming proficient in the repair of farm equipment and welding.
Due to the untimely passing of his beloved mother in 1951 and the start of the Cold War Ted decided to leave his homeland for Canada in 1954. He took advantage of the Farm Workers Program sponsored by the Canadian Government.
After a harrowing trans-Atlantic voyage, he arrived on a gloomy, snowy day at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He journeyed by train to Brampton, Ontario and was assigned to work on a farm in Malton, Ontario.
He soon realized that farming in Canada at that time was quite difficult thus; it would not provide him with funds to adequately make a living and to build a foundation for his future.
Resourceful as he was he sought employment with a farm implement dealer and soon was journeying from farm to farm as a mechanic repairing tractors, bailers, etc. In 1958, he changed “gears” and applied for employment at Trans Canada Air Lines now known as Air Canada. He remained with Air Canada as a loyal and dedicated employee for 37 years until his retirement in 1995.
In 1960, he married the love of his life Lore in Germany and they both made the journey to Canada to start their life together.
Theirs was a marriage built on love, joy, honour and togetherness. They travelled extensively, visiting many countries and cities in Canada, North and South America, the Far East and Europe and enjoyed many cruises and Trans-Atlantic and Pacific crossings.
Ted was extremely proud of his Canadian Citizenship, granted to him in 1969. He embraced his new homeland for its extraordinary and beautiful landscape and its diversity.
He was a man of courage, determination, integrity, and his mind remained sharp to the end of his life.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and soccer and was an avid automobile enthusiast. He owned many vehicles over his lifetime; each one kept in pristine condition and roadworthiness.
He forged many friendships that stood the test of time. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him with respect and love earned during his kind and gentle life, particularly his long enduring friendships with Kelvin Bisnath and Maxym Trojan with his family.
A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Peter Derkach, the administrative staff, nurses and PSWs of Copernicus Lodge for their exemplary care and compassion extended to Ted.
At his request, upon cremation a Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday September 12th at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 3055 Bloor Street West (west of Royal York Road).
In lieu of flowers and if desired a donation may be made in Ted’s name to Copernicus Lodge or to a charity of your choice.
The funeral will be live streamed. Please click on the live stream button below.