KLAUS HEINZ NIENKAMPER

July 22, 1940 – October 28, 2024 Klaus was born in Duisburg, Germany, where his mother, Frau Otty, owned an antique store. Surrounded by old, creaky furniture, he developed a love for modern design and was deeply inspired by the Bauhaus movement. He later had the opportunity to undertake a design apprenticeship with Knoll International in Düsseldorf. This experience would be transformative. After three years, he moved to Finland, where he worked for Tapio Wirkkala. In 1960, he boarded the Fransisca Sartori to sail to Canada with only $36 in his pocket and a dream of bringing classic European furniture to North America. He paid his dues in the early days with various jobs, including "right rear vacuum man" at Farbs Car Wash on King Street West. He briefly returned to Germany in 1965 to attend his sister Doris's wedding. During that trip, he met Beatrix, the groom's beautiful little sister. Their connection was undeniable, and after Klaus returned to Canada, it wasn't long before Beatrix followed him. In 1968, he and his wife, Beatrix, founded the company Nienkämper. His innovative spirit transformed the business into a successful manufacturing operation that catered to prestigious corporate and residential projects in Canada, the United States, and worldwide. Over the years, Nienkämper's work has graced prominent locations, including the offices of the late Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, the Canadian Embassy in Washington, and the Royal Palace in Kuwait. He made a significant impact at Expo 67 in Montreal, Expo 86 in Vancouver, and in numerous Canadian embassies around the world. Throughout his career, he collaborated with some of the world's leading architects and designers, forming enduring friendships along the way. Nienkämper's designs are celebrated in prestigious collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and he received numerous awards recognizing his talent and contributions to the design industry. He was honoured with the Government of Canada Export Award and had the privilege of being selected for the Team Canada trade mission to China with the Right Honourable Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. Additionally, he was awarded the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts Medal for his distinguished contributions to Canadian culture as a Patron of Art and Design, and he received Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to Canada. In 2019, he proudly received the Allied Arts Medal from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. Among the awards he valued most was the New Pioneers Entrepreneurship Award, presented by Skills for Change, an organization dedicated to helping new Canadians succeed in business. Nienkämper, the company, was also a member of the 50 Best Managed Companies Platinum Club. A true supporter of the arts, Klaus generously contributed to institutions that shape our cultural landscape, including the Royal Ontario Museum and the Ontario College of Art and Design. His endowment of furniture to the ROM, featuring the Spirit House Chair designed by Daniel Libeskind, reflects his collaborative spirit and dedication to excellence. Klaus was a devoted husband to Beatrix for 59 wonderful years. Together they travelled the world. They shared a passion for raising and showing Friesian horses and enjoyed competing in carriage-driving events in New York and Ontario, creating cherished memories at their farm near Creemore, Ontario. Together they have three children, Rebecca, Ottilie, and Klaus 2; and seven grandchildren: Hannah, Marston, Kiefer, Everett, Ava, Otto, and Oliver. Klaus leaves behind a vibrant legacy of creativity, kindness, and generosity. He was a passionate advocate for nurturing young and emerging design talent, offering mentorship and opportunities that elevated designers and launched their careers. He took great pride in the contributions of all the people at Nienkämper who helped make this achievement possible over the years. His influence on the furniture industry and Canadian culture will be felt for years to come. His legacy continues. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honour Klaus's memory by supporting The Scott Mission (scottmission.com).