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Duncan Haimerl Memoriam
Haimerl, 72, of Warren, wrote auto reviews and a question-and-answer column with a distinct local flavor, beginning in the 1990s.
A native of Canada, his first transportation love was trains. As an automotive writer, Haimerl was well known to Connecticut enthusiasts and would never fail to come up with an odd quirk or comment when describing mechanical problems ? all of which, he would write, he had seen.
Haimerl came to The Courant as a news editor in 1982, and held a variety of editing positions. He was for many years a business news editor. He retired a few years ago as a full-time employee but continued to write reviews, and his column.
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Memories and Condolences
for Duncan Haimerl
Sponsored by Donna-Marie Bonnett.
Holly Haimerl Ananng
March 25, 2014
Miss you Daddy.4 years have already passed and I still think of you and wish I could still talk to you. Love Holly
March 29, 2012
Miss you Daddy! love Holly and family
Holly Haimerl Ananng
March 26, 2011
Mar 29th...Daddy, almost a year since you passed away.Still missing you, love Holly
Del Szura
June 16, 2010
I was just thinking of Duncan (Whitebeard as I knew him) today as I was remembering my days in Sault Ste. Marie. He was a man with heart, I think, and a pleasure to "know," even though I never met him face to face.
Bonnie Rowe
June 13, 2010
I loved Duncan's column, even if it answered a question about a make or model I didn't own. I always learned something that could help me with my own vehicle - or point a friend in the right direction with their car problem. I send heartfelt condolences to his family. Bless you all.
Debbie Kane
June 10, 2010
I know nothing about cars but always read Mr. Kaimerl's column when we got the Courant. His knowledge never failed to amaze me. God bless.
Melanie Haimerl
June 1, 2010
To a man whose heart and life was bigger than he was..the memories shared are even bigger..I'm glad you were my dad. The kindest and gentlest man I may ever have met. Thank you for your life, your memories, your wit, your one-liners, your thoughts, your intelligence and committment to marriage and family. I love you Dad. You'll always be our King.
Nancy Haimerl
May 31, 2010
I would like to thank all of you for your kind words about my husband Duncan. The messages you have posted here, and the loving and thoughtful words at his Memorial Service, have brought great comfort to me and to our grandson, Ishmael. One of Duncan's colleagues at the service suggested those who wished might make donations to the Torrington CT Babe Ruth Baseball in Duncan's name. Our family spent so many happy hours together at the baseball field, I cannot think of a nicer tribute to a wonderful man whose major life's work, in his later years, was raising a grandson.
Holly Haimerl Ananng
May 24, 2010
Hartford Courant
Holly Haimerl Ananng
May 24, 2010
train belt buckles
Holly Haimerl Ananng
May 24, 2010
Holly,Melanie,Quinton,Donna and Maddison
Holly Haimerl Ananng
May 24, 2010
Daddy
Holly Haimerl Ananng
May 24, 2010
Quinton, Nancy,Ishmael,Melanie and Bethsheba
Holly Haimerl Ananng
May 24, 2010
Lots of warm memories shared at the memorial
Holly Haimerl Ananng
May 24, 2010
our "Resident Alien"
Holly Haimerl Ananng
May 24, 2010
Keeping Track (CN Rail Canada)
Holly Haimerl Ananng
May 24, 2010
Morris Community Hall - May 15th,2010
Holly Haimerl Ananng
May 24, 2010
A P
May 24, 2010
he will be missed, by manny, readers, wont be the same, for me , god bless you and your family .
Bill Casner
May 23, 2010
I looked forward to Duncan's column each week. I knew I was going to learn something new each time I picked up the paper and read his stories. My deepest sympathy to his family
May 17, 2010
Duncan will be missed and gave some knowledgeable advice. Peace and fond memories to all his friends and family. LE
Dale A Gould
May 17, 2010
If ever there was an "Oby One Conoby" of autos it was Duncan. May the force and traction always be with you my friend :) Peace and love to all of your friends and family
Vinny
May 15, 2010
Grew up reading his column....he will be missed.
Bill Fairbrother
May 14, 2010
Duncan's wit & knowledge will be missed. I really looked forward to each & every comment.
May 12, 2010
Even though I am a 67 year old female, I loved Duncan's automotive column. He had a wealth of knowledge and a great sense of humor.
Dottie-Ellington
Steve
May 7, 2010
I'll will miss reading his column...always enjoyed it. RIP
Mary Anne Zak
May 1, 2010
Duncan Haimerl will be missed at my breakfast table. Although I did not know him and I did not know cars, I enjoyed reading his column. I was sorry to learn that
he is no longer with us.
Diane Turgeon
April 28, 2010
April 28, 2010
My condolence and prayers to the Haimerl family. I will certainly miss his Saturday column at the Courant as I feel he truly helped me to understand cars of all shape and forms. I was born and brought up in Quebec Province and you came from Ontario Province, well my fellow Canadian, it has been a pleasure to know you through your wonderful column. Que Dieu vous garde et vous protege bien, mon ami.
Like most of your Saturday column readers, I will miss you greatly, as I do not think anyone can replace you.
Diane C. Turgeon
Hebron, Connecticut
phil joseph
April 24, 2010
RIP Duncan,
thank you so much for all your work and insight you will be sorely missed!!!
j lomba
April 23, 2010
i enjoyed his column, i never asked him a question, but he answered many of mine, i learned a lot about cars from reading his advice. He will be missed
Donald Somers
April 19, 2010
I am going to miss you. I read your column every day. Don Somers
Hopkins
April 18, 2010
A very Fine man that will be missed thank you for all that you have done.
KaRan Kenoski
April 18, 2010
<3 I have fond memories as a child having you visit with your trains and the last couple of years seeing your newest gadgets.. You will be missed xoxoRIP Uncle Dunc
Lynn Esenwine
April 18, 2010
I'll miss him. His columns was something always to look forward to. Horrible loss
Peter Kushkowski
April 17, 2010
Duncan Haimerl's column was the first place I turned-to in the Saturday Courant. Indeed, after a long vacation absence, I looked for him today. His common-sense approach to readers' automotive challenges was refreshing.
Acquaintances reacted with "I see you're in the paper again" whenever Duncan labeled a submission from "PK Portland."
I considered myself especially blessed when Duncan responded personally to one of my emails, the last being on March 3.
I was deeply saddened when today I learned of his passing. My sincere condolences to the Haimerl family.
Roberta Barnett
April 13, 2010
My most heartfelt condolences. Mr Haimerl's columns were a source of great knowledge and a truly interesting opportunity to discuss car-related issues with my family. We'll miss his column and his humanity.
Jill Fletcher
April 10, 2010
Duncan was great to Klingberg Family Centers, always mentioning our charity event auto show and showing true enthusiasm for antique cars. I enjoyed working with him and will miss his sense of humor. I could tell from FB how important family was to him. I am sorry for your loss.
April 8, 2010
I worked with Duncan in Public Affairs at CN in Montreal years ago and greatly respected him for his intelligence and integrity. We lost touch with him after he left CN, so I'm glad to learn that he transferred his talents to Hartford and earned the admiration he deserved. My condolences to Duncan's family and friends. -- Dorothy Turnbull, Ottawa.
Estelle Oldach
April 6, 2010
One of the last letters he printed was from me. I know nothing about cars but I always read his column and I got my husband to read it also. I would have trusted him to work on my car. Something about his face said I am trustworthy. We miss him. We want to tell his family we are so sorry for their loss. He is our loss also.
betty hudson
April 6, 2010
I would be remiss if I did not add my heartfelt thanks for Duncan Haimerl's columns . The Saturday "Hartford Courant" will never be the same without his sage advice about our cars. His column in the motoring section was my first read with my morning coffee every Saturday morning. I don;t think Duncan had any idea how many people, both men and women, read and enjoyed his column and loved him. It is a sad to no longer have him with us. We had no preparation as his death was sudden which made his passing an even greater shock. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family who I hope will take comfort knowing that so many people loved him and will miss him.
Gregg Merksamer
April 5, 2010
As a longtime, albeit junior, colleague of Duncan's from the International Motor Press Association, I'm in a position to convey he was much liked and will be much missed by his professional colleagues. The connection he forged with his readers is concrete proof he did his job well, giving them the facts they craved without taking himself too seriously. Simply a great guy to be with at IMPA meetings and the automakers' ride-and-drives. As he exited the scene just two days before they started, it's a true pity he didn't get to join us for JUST ONE MORE pair of press days at the New York auto show. Godspeed to him, and blessings upon his family to get them through this time!
April 4, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the Haimerl family. His column will be missed. It was the first column that I looked for each Saturday. He shared his knowledge with us with humor and kindness.
Once he mentioned that he wished he knew if there was an item that would help drivers see what was approaching their "blind spot" from the rear. I had had a "blind spot" mirror on my cars for several years and and wrote to him and told him where to get one.
Unlike most columnists, he wrote back to me and thanked me. When I emailed back thanking him for his reply, he emailed me again. He was a real gentleman, he will be missed by many of us.
Mimi K.
Sas Ward
April 4, 2010
Duncan will be missed by all of his fans and listeners.
cheryl rivera
April 4, 2010
always loved the column informative not overbearing
April 4, 2010
oh no! I used to love reading his column. Loved his advice.
April 3, 2010
I am a 45 year old female, and I always looked forward to reading Duncans column. He provided a lot of good advise . I will miss his column.
LM west hartford, ct
Joe Spagna
April 3, 2010
I woke up this morning and grabbed the Saturday newpaper as always. Saturday is the only day I look foward to reading the paper--The Motoring section! I was so upset to hear about Duncan's passing. I told my wife it will never be the same and how I will miss his great stories and advice he would give people about their automotive issues.
My deepest condlolences to his family and freinds. He will be dearly missed by many.
A fan forever,
April 3, 2010
I was very saddend this morning upon reading of the death of mr. Haimerl. I have been a reader of his for many years & it was a highlite of my reading on saterday. Phil Whaley
Bob Clark
April 2, 2010
Duncan will be sorely missed! I look forward to reading his column each week.
Barbara Nagy
April 2, 2010
I worked with Duncan on The Courant's business desk from 1994-2003. He was a kind and gentle soul with an understated sense of humor and a generous heart. He was also a fine editor with a great sense for what was newsworthy. Duncan always made me remember what is truly important in life. My prayers are with him.
Donna-Marie Bonnett
April 1, 2010
I believe that when we die we are greeted by those we knew and loved, who died before us. I believe right now my Dad is having a big family reunion with his brothers, Uncle Bob, Uncle Bill, and the rest of our family. I hope there is a banquet in his honor filled with ice cream, pecan pies and cake. I hope he gets to eat all the delicious foods that he couldn't eat here. I know he had a very full life and was happy with his wife Nancy. He saw the potential in Ishi and was an amazing man. he will not be forgotten because he lives on in us. I love you Dad and Miss you already. To my Dad; May you travel by train surrounded by fields of yellow cornflowers forever.
Esther Chambers
April 1, 2010
I am sorry for your loss. I had always read Mr. Haimerls column every Saturday. I had learn very interesting things from his column
M. Maryeski
April 1, 2010
My deepest sympathy to Mr. Haimerl's family and friends. I will miss reading his column each week. I learned many things about automotives through his column. He will be missed.
Martin Rowe
April 1, 2010
Haimerl Family,
I share with many others a sense of loss. I enjoyed Duncan as did so many at the Courant. He will be immensely missed by everyone whose lives were touched by his humor, his compassion, his loyalty, his dedication and his love.
Glenn Fields
April 1, 2010
Nancy & Family
My deepest sympathy to your family & friends. I will never forget my visit to your home many years ago and the warmth you both showed me. Recently Duncan and I re-connected on face book and it was a pleasure being able to talk with him again. God Bless you all during your time of sorrow. He will never be forgotten because he was an amazing individual.
Robert Pihlaja
April 1, 2010
Uncle Dunc, We'll miss you, your stories and your gadgets. Say "Hi" to Uncle Bob and Uncle Bill up there for us, eh?
Judd Burnham
March 31, 2010
My deepest sympathy to Mr. Haimerl's family and friends. As a car enthusiast, saying I enjoyed reading his column is an understatement. It was always the first page I opened of the Courant! I hope he knows how much we all appreciated him. This is a true void for many of us.
Respectfully,
Judd E. Burnham
Thinking of you...Ishmael, Holly, Grant and Bethsheba
March 31, 2010
Holly Haimerl
March 31, 2010
Daddy,I'll miss you...love Holly
A Fan
March 31, 2010
Saturday mornings will not be the same. Never met Duncan but felt I knew him and know I would have liked him. My condolences to the family and friends.
March 31, 2010
I am sorry for your loss. I read Mr. Haimerls column every week and even though I don't know a lot about cars it was so informative I probably could have done a lot of the automotive work on my car!
My sincere sympathy.
Betty Sorrell, Middletown, Delaware.
March 31, 2010
Nancy and Ish,
Sorry to hear about Duncan's passing, Our thoughts and prayers are with you both.
The Downs' Family
(Pete,Pam, Justin and Jenna
Jacqueline Fantasia
March 31, 2010
I am sorry for your loss. His columns were informative and helpful more than once and will be missed.
My sympathy and prayers to his family.
March 31, 2010
I am sorry.
We need people Duncan, people that can make us smile.
He will be missed.
-Sean
Jennifer Kronholm Clark
March 31, 2010
Nancy and Ishi,
I was very saddened to hear of Duncan's passing. He and my father were great friends, and I remember how much fun Dad would have when Duncan would take him for a spin in the "car of the week."
Duncan was such a vibrant, lively presence whenever he joined us. I am so glad that he was able to share my wedding day.
He will be missed.
Candy Baller
March 31, 2010
We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the Haimerl family. Mr. Haimerl's column was both educational and entertaining and my husband and I, along with all his fans, will truly miss it.
Chris Burton
March 31, 2010
His column was a good common sense approach to car ownership and maintenance. It certainly will be missed, as will Mr.Haimerl.
Martha
March 31, 2010
I will surely miss seeing your face and reading your sage advice on car repairs. What will we do without you?
Condolences to your family and loved ones.
Ronald Deschamps
March 31, 2010
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
March 31, 2010
On behalf of the Belltown Antique Car Club, I wish to extend our sympathies to Mr. Haimerl's family and many friends. He was kind enough to write about our events over the years, and was always interested in our activities. Rest in peace, sir.
Jim M
March 31, 2010
To the Haimerl family and loyal readers of Duncan's column,
we will miss him and his column very much. He has entertained us for many years with his unique perspective on automotive problems and new car reviews. I recall fondly (before his semi-retirement) his reviews of new vehicles, how he would comment about not speeding when he got to drive "fast" cars, and the charming photos he personally took of the cars in various locations around the state (usually with some Courant staffer, family member or passerby). We enjoyed the stories of the finicky imported cars he has owned over the years, the "Fiero" stories, and views on 4WD and the hills in his hometown. He always went the extra mile researching service bulletins for solving readers' problems. And when readers were asked to comment on an issue, at some point he would write that we have heard the last on that topic (enough!). Well, it's too bad that we won't read more on Duncan. I'm sure the family could write a great biography on him. Adieu, Duncan.
March 31, 2010
Duncan was a good friend and colleague. He will be sorely missed.
Billk Kronhlolm, Wilmington NC
ALMIRA GRAVEL
March 31, 2010
DEAR NANCY AND ISH:
WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF DUNCAN'S PASSING. HE WAS A WONDERFUL MAN AND WILL BE MISSED DEARLY. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. LOVE ALWAYS JIM, MYRA, JIMMY, TED AND JEDD GRAVEL
Cousin Sharon
March 31, 2010
Sharon Fetherston/Chasse
March 30, 2010
Duncan was the eldest of all us first cousins, then my brother Leslie who has passed away also a few years back. Most of us grew up in Sault Ste. Marie. He will be missed for sure. He was an intellect, and I remember his first computer he built on Biggins Ave. a real ol' clunker.
Dave
March 30, 2010
While I didn't know Duncan personally, his column was very cool. We have been fortunate to enjoy his many auto-related articles over the years. He will be missed.
March 30, 2010
To the Haimerl Family -
I was very saddened to hear this news. He helped me many times through his column. He will be truly missed by all his fans. My condolences to all.
M. Levine, WH, CT
ValleyCollector CarClub
March 30, 2010
The Valley Collector Car Club wishes to express their condolences to the Haimerl Family.
Duncan was so pleased that we had invited him to be a guest and make a celebrity appearance at our charity benefit car show in Simsbury. Duncan told us that we were the first club (and car show) that he had been invited to and was pleased to meet and greet our participants, spectators and car club members.
We will always cherish that relationship, and know in our hearts that he is still with us in spirit.
Happy Motoring, Duncan!
karen davis
March 30, 2010
Dear Haimerl Family, Please know that Duncan is resting peacefully in the loving arms of God. Keep the faith and God bless.
Donna Ploss
March 30, 2010
I am saddened to hear of my dear friend Duncan's passing. I had the great pleasure of working with Duncan. He was very instrumental and well respected at the Hartford Courant. He raised his grandson to be the wonderful young man that he is, and he treated everyone he met as if he'd known them his entire lives. Duncan, you were one hell of a man who will never be forgotten.
March 30, 2010
With the newspaper paper in hand, I said "where's Duncan's column?"
Now I know. We'll miss you.
Peace, Glastonbury reader
GEORGE DEALESSIO
March 30, 2010
I was in the hospital and very briefly a roomate with Duncan and that was sadly my only meeting with him.
He told me so many stories only resting for short times. The story he seemed so proud of was how fast his son could run. He truely lit up when he told that one.
He met Pete Rose I believe in Canada years ago.
He joked with me with his family there about how I was getting out in ONLY 4 days. My surgery was similar but far less serious.
I heard his name on the radio today and was sure that was the man I was roomate with only briefly.
In a short day I enjoyed each and every story he told, what a facinating man and I am sad for his family. Duncan was a treasure and he will be missed.
Rene Jalbert
March 30, 2010
Dear Nancy and family, My most sincere condolences on the passing of a truly wonderful man. May his joy and wit be the things that you remember, and his great love of family. I will miss him.
Wethersfield Reader
March 30, 2010
As with the passing of the Courant's previous "Java" society reporter, Duncan's position too will be difficult replace. I took his advice as "Gospel" and used his trouble-shooting methods with sound results. Rest in Peace Duncan; the vehicles up above are in need of your tweeking.
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