Peter KOFLER

Peter Kofler

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Peter Kofler, 56, of Kitchener. Predeceased by his beloved father, Kurt; Peter is lovingly remembered by his mother, Anne; sisters, Monica (Paul) and Sonya; nieces, Natalie (Brendan) and Katie; nephew, Daniel; grandniece, Eve; aunts, Elli, Elfie and Erika; relatives in Canada, Austria, Italy and the United States; and his dear friends, Mary Jane and Nancy.
  Intelligent, curious and eloquent, as a child he explored the world through encyclopaedias and his local neighbourhood, following his curiosity to distant horizons over the years. A true outdoorsman, he walked and cycled the trails, parks and streets of our city; climbed, hiked and skied mountains and glaciers in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Colorado, Vermont, and Austria; kayaked and canoed lakes and rivers from Ontario to the Pacific Ocean; and treasured the beauty of our national and provincial parks.
  Peter received a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Waterloo. He worked for a number of years in the high tech energy sector, yet the elegant simplicity and ingenuity of engineering solutions from recycled and reclaimed materials characteristic of transition initiatives truly inspired him. He volunteered for organizations including Habitat for Humanity, The Working Centre, Ignatius Jesuit Centre, and The Grand House straw bale project in Cambridge. He learned the art of straw bale and timber frame construction by working on many building projects across the country.
  Peter valued integrity and honesty. His passion for understanding the world and finding solutions left many people surprised when, after sharing a problem with him in conversation, he would follow up weeks later, having researched it thoughtfully, and come back with a practical solution. He cared deeply about the environment and set an example for how it is possible to walk gently on the earth. Over the last five years he created a beautiful, productive fruit and vegetable garden, experimenting with and refining rain garden and organic growing techniques and sharing his knowledge with others. He filled his insatiable thirst for knowledge with regular visits to the Grand River and Waterloo Public Libraries.
  His family extends deepest gratitude to all those who provided a sense of companionship and fellowship to Peter on his life path. Please join in sending him blessings and love on his next journey.
  As Peter wished, cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held in his garden in the spring. Those wishing to mark Peter's passing could consider a donation in memory of Peter to the Trans Canada Trail, TCTrail.ca in lieu of flowers. Donations can be made through the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467.
  Please visit www.henrywalser.com for Peter's memorial.