Herman Friedrich Hans SCHRADER

HERMAN FRIEDRICH HANS SCHRADER
DEC. 7, 1927 - MAR. 24, 2011 Passed peacefully following complications caused by Alzheimers disease. Loving husband of Margret Schrader who devoted herself to his care over the last several years. He also leaves behind his daughter Kim, son-in-law Steve, and grandchildren Charlotte, Ashley and Jack in Vancouver. In Ottawa, he leaves behind his son Mark, daughter-in-law Fiona and granddaughter Amanda. Also remembering him are his stepson Martin in Thailand and his niece Charlotte in Germany. He is predeceased by his father Hermann, mother Elise, sister Elli and brother Horst. Herman had a long and eventful life. He grew up surrounded by World War II in his native Germany, being conscripted in the final months of the war and stationed at an anti-aircraft facility near Denmark. As the war ended he arrived home just in time to be with his dying mother. Following in the footsteps of the family business, he went on to start his career in the hotel and restaurant industry which took him to Dusseldorf, Paris, St. Moritz and New York City and he eventually settled in Toronto. He worked in the city's hospitality industry including in the Walker House, Ascot Hotel and Skyline Hotel. In 1960 he opened Gasthaus Schrader, one of the first ethnic restaurants in the downtown Toronto area. It served authentic German cuisine and had live band music in its upstairs lounge. Upon selling the business in 1980 he managed a wine import business. He also owned and managed commercial real estate in the west end of the city. Herman was an avid sailor and could often be found skipping Schnupp around Lake Ontario out of Ashbridges Bay Yacht Club. Voyages to the Thousand Islands with Margret were a summer ritual. He also enjoyed downhill skiing, scuba diving, camping, swimming, classic music and very long walks. He travelled extensively, from climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, to visiting small towns in Thailand, to sailing the Baltic Sea with friends. Some of the family's best memories are of trips planned by Herman. Herman will be deeply missed for his warm personality, integrity, hard work ethic and always being a true gentleman. His values and memories will shine on with his family and friends. The family wishes to sincerely thank the compassionate staff at O'Connor Gate nursing home for their dedicated care of Herman over the last several years.