Obituary of Gerd Heidinger

Gerd Heidinger passed away peacefully at the Cambridge Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, October 8th, 2024 at 90 years of age. Reunited with his beloved wife Audrey. Son of Clemens and Nelly (Harms) Heidinger. Survived by brother Robert Heidinger. Predeceased by sons, Morris (survived by Linda), Jim (survived by Mary Ann), Mark and Chris (survived by Mary). Survived by and loving father to Christina - Ralph, Gerd - Ann, and Kurt - Karen. Cherished grandfather of Jeff - Jacqueline, Colton - Brittny, Aaron, Teri - Alan, Kim, Matthew, Phillip, Stephanie - Adam, Jeremy - Reannan, Andrew - Madison, Adrian - Diana, Sarah - Erik, Gabrielle, Alexandra - Goran, Claire - Abraham, Crawford. Great-Grandfather to Austin - Jaclyn, Nathan - Marlee, Joshua, Thomas, Carter, Maeve, Adeline, Royce, Atlas, Heidi, Chloe, James - Laura, Bennet, Cecelia, Griffon, Atley, Abel, Carmen, Charlie, Audrey, Findley, Theodore. Great-Great-Grandfather to Margaret, Talia, and Aubrey. Born in 1934 in Hamburg, Germany, Gerd grew up quickly in a difficult era. He was sent to live at a country school during the war, which he recalled as a time of happy and painful memories. At age 19, he was granted a visa to come to Canada before completing his studies in mechanical engineering. Landing in Canada, he made a pact with friends that they would settle wherever they all found work. As fate would have it, Brantford, Ont. would be where he found both work and the love of his life, Audrey. Gerd and Audrey raised their children in Brantford, with many miles spent in the car travelling to field hockey games.(with kids asleep across the backseat or curled up at Audrey’s feet with pop bottles ready for emergencies.) Gerd’s passion was field hockey in a Germany , Canada and internationally. Gerd received his citizenship just in time to be a Canadian Olympian in the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo. Gerd was recently inducted into the Canadian Field Hockey Hall of Fame. With a brilliant mind and a spirit of entrepreneurship, Gerd and Audrey established various businesses throughout their life together. They first established HandH Building Products, along with Audrey’s sister and brother in law, Edith and Doug. They expanded and purchased Red Circle Concrete Products after a few years. When the kids were in post-secondary education, Gerd and Audrey moved to the Kitchener area. Again forming companies; KW Building Supplies, Happy Homes, and Beta Business. Gerd left his mark in Brantford and Kitchener, designing and constructing numerous stylish and practical houses. With his contacts, Gerd continued his working career with book-keeping and tax analysis. Gerd and Audrey prioritized a welcoming and inclusive home and family, where there was always enough to feed an army. Everyone was welcome for dinner …… unless Gerd Jr knew Audrey made homemade French fries. Sunday mornings were full of German radio programs, sitting around the breakfast table chatting till almost coffee and cake time. Gerd was always up for an adventure, even to the bank or grocery store but especially for schnitzel or curry. Gerd spent the last 38 years of his life in one of his designed homes, in Puslinch. Enjoying the country setting and working around the yard. He will be remembered as a quiet man but with great stories and a big heart. As per his request cremation has taken place. A private celebration of life has been had. Arrangements have been entrusted with Beckett-Glaves Family Funeral Centre, 88 Brant Ave., Brantford 519-752-4331. If desired, donations to Cambridge Memorial Hospital would be appreciated by the family. Two trees will be planted in memory of Gerd and Audrey in the Beckett-Glaves Memorial Forest.