EPPRECHT, Hans

MARCH 4, 1928 – AUGUST 5, 2022

Hans Epprecht was born in the village of Wildberg, Switzerland on March 4, 1928. Passed away peacefully at home at a grand old age, surrounded by the love of family on August 5, 2022.

Beloved husband for 69 years to Maureen (née Quirke of Leeds, England) and devoted father to four children, Paul, Marc (Allison), Mandy and Erika (Ray). Also remembered by his seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Adriane, Gabriel – Sara, Adam - Dane, Sierra and three great grandchildren, Annie, Rowan and Sam. Proud also to attend to the wishes and whims of several generations of cats.

Hans (aka Vati) is survived by his brother Walter and sister Martha in Switzerland as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his brother Ernst, and sisters Hanni and Elsbeth of Switzerland. Hans moved to Leeds, England in 1951 on behalf of a Swiss Engineering Company for the installations of a wide variety of hydraulic pumping stations throughout Great Britain. Here he met and married Maureen, the love of his life, in 1953 and emigrated to London Canada in 1956. Settled in Galt with his young family in 1959. Retired from Babcocks &Wilcox Canada Ltd. Plant Engineering in 1991, after a fulfilling and rewarding career manufacturing boilers for electric power generation, serving for 28 years.

Hans started in 1963 as a Maintenance Foreman. He was promoted to Manager, Maintenance. He became a Project Specialist in 1988 and in 1991 retired to begin his second career as a “Dance Specialist”. Motivated by the needs of his growing family and his “Handyman” experience, he extended, upgraded and modernized his home accordingly. Introduced his children to swimming (dug up the backyard for the pool in 1970), diving (known for his candlestick dive), skiing and competitive artistic gymnastics.

Was co-founder of the Cambridge CG’s Gymnastic Club and served as Men’s Technical Chairman for the Ontario Gymnastic Federation (OGF). Founder of the Cambridge Ballroom Dance Club in 1987. Competed in Amateur International Ballroom style with Maureen for five years with very rewarding end results. This started his passion to study the Alex More basic technique of the most glamorous sport the world has ever known. Graduated as accredited Member of the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA). Teaching with Maureen professionally, Social, Latin, and Ballroom Dance. Including assignments as Guest Teachers on Cruise Ships of many different Cruise Companies circling the Globe (taught on over 60 cruises).

Some of the highlights being:

In the East – Ground Zero, Nagasaki Japan.

The South – The train to the end of the world, shopping at the most southerly Post Office in the world.

The West – The Island of Kiribati in the Pacific Ocean, between Hawaii and Tahiti.

In the North – Longyearbyen in Spitzbergen, the most northerly chapel in the world.

Retired from his second career at age 89, after 30 years with fond memories of travel adventures and meeting friends of dance from around the world, enjoying the Golden years with memories that brought great joy to our hearts. Hans stated his greatest challenge in life came to him in his later years, when he valiantly hoped to keep Maureen in the family home as she struggled with advancing dementia. Hans and family would like to thank both Cindy and Donna for their compassionate care of Vati as well as Saint Luke’s Place for their ongoing compassionate care of Maureen.

Friends and Family are invited to his Celebration of Life at T. Little Funeral Home on Saturday September 10, 2022 between 2 to 5 pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Cambridge Memorial Hospital.