HANS WILLIAM KERR

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HANS WILLIAM KERR 1940 - 2018 On April 18, 2018 our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Hans William Kerr (nee "Johan Willem Michiel Esmann") passed away after a long and stubborn battle with mesothelioma. He left this world peacefully and at home, surrounded by loved ones. He was predeceased by his loving parents Emilie L. Kerr (Luschow), Dr. Douglas Kerr, and his biological father Johan Esmann. He is survived by his devoted wife Arlene Kerr (Lillies), children Heather Kerr-Vermeulen (Jason), Kathy Cherepak (Vince), Sandy Bridge (Blue Jay) and Rob Kerr (Rob Irwin), grandchildren Neela, Olivia, Jarrett, Carson, Maya, Aiden, Dylan and Camryn, and "adopted" family Rhonda Hickes and Macey (Scott) Andrade. Hans was born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands on May 23, 1940. Always a great storyteller he loved to recount the one of his birth when his very pregnant mother was walking across a bridge just moments before it was destroyed by a Second World War bomb. In an attempt to escape, she ran to safety and went into early labour. As a result, he always said he was "bombed out". An adventurer from the beginning Hans lived in numerous places during childhood, moving from Amsterdam during the occupation to Edinburgh, Scotland; London, England; Montreal, Quebec and then finally to Winnipeg, Manitoba. This became home, but he still remained connected to his Dutch heritage and family, travelling back to Holland on numerous occasions. Hans was a passionate teacher and taught junior high for over 15 years at Deer Lodge, Morse Place and Valley Gardens Junior High. He eventually became a consultant to the Department of Education, and was instrumental in developing the outdoor education program in Manitoba. It was also during his time at Deer Lodge that he met Arlene, who became his wife of 50 plus years. Hans left education and changed careers at mid-life, where he began his own renovation and construction company, "Complete Home Maintenance Service". After retiring from this role he and Arlene bought and ran High Crest Equestrian Centre, where he was able to build upon his previous equestrian experience and turn his lifelong love for horses into a full time life and love. Hans and Arlene also settled into the snowbird role quite nicely and spent many happy winters in Mesa, Arizona. Hans loved to watch MASH on his outdoor patio and was always happy to take long scenic drives. Throughout all his travels, Hans' one true home was the cottage at Hillside Beach, which he built in 1972. Hans was more comfortable there than any other place he lived, as he built both his construction company and his life around "the Lake". Mornings with the coffee crew were a constant. Always up for a boat ride, whether it was morning sunrises, watersports with the kids, trips around the lake, or evening sunsets, Hans loved being on the water. In the final years, many hours were spent sitting on the porch looking at the water and the wildlife, and watching the kids and grandkids develop that same love. Above all, his number one focus was always his family, and Hans happily lived his life around them. As a teacher, a storyteller, an adventurer, a friend, a devoted father, and a loving husband he was truly one of a kind and will be sorrowfully missed. Free of pain now and on a new adventure. Until we meet again. A Celebration of Life will take place on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Ave. The family would like to thank the W.R.H.A. Palliative Care Program for their invaluable support that made it possible to have Hans remain at home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lake Winnipeg Foundation or the Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 21, 2018