Rolf HESTLER

Much has been written in these pages of Rolf’s strong human values and dignity which Ingrid and I have certainly experienced. The man was simply a “good person” without a mean bone in his body. In some ways, he was like a “filter”, everywhere he went his presence somehow helped remove the meanness and pettiness around him and so left people a little bit nicer and the world a little better. I think we all know people who do the reverse!

Rolf also had other positive impressions and effects in his long career with Volkswagen Canada. At a time when it was very expensive to do so, he pioneered the introduction of the defined benefit (the company takes the risk; NOT the employee) Pension Plan to the company. His rationale was simply that it was the right thing to do for the employees and should therefore have the backing and commitment of the company’s management. Well, it did…. but I personally sat through meetings where the expense of continuing to do so was hotly debated. As long as Rolf was there, however, we had no worries as employees as his commitment to us was enduring and his ability to “find” the needed funds was amazing.

This commitment to employees even extended to a regular “topping-up” of the Pension fund to provide already pensioned employees with in effect a cost of living adjustment. Rolf’s rationale? Pensions were pretty small for many VWC retirees so even a small top up made a real difference. I was to learn later in my career that far from being a normal part of the VW way of doing things, this was unheard of elsewhere in other VW companies in the world. So again, Rolf was a strong supporting voice in making sure we did the right thing as a company. Regrettably, these periodic adjustments for VWC pensioners have never again occurred since Rolf’s retirement in 1995, and Clive Warrilow’s in 1998.

On the personal side, Ingrid and I were fortunate to get to know both Rolf and Violet when they relocated to the Vancouver area. Vi’s positive influence on Rolf was strong and brought out his humorous side. We spent many pleasant dinners together; something we will miss greatly.

Thus, we have the measure of a man. A warm, kind gentle human being who made a huge positive impact on all those he met, and left this world a much better place. We are so lucky to have known him.

My husband and I were so sorry to hear of your loss and send our deepest sympathies. Ralph was truly a fine man.

A true Gentleman,friend and colleague will be sadly missed.

Dear Vi,
Bob and I were so saddened to receive the news about Ralph. Both Bob and David had so much respect for him when they were involved in business dealings together. We have many happy memories of times spent with both of you in the past. The last time we saw you was in San Diego and you both looked so well that this came as a real shock to us. Ralph was always so kind and considerate, the perfect gentleman, and he will be sorely missed by many. Our hearts go out to you and your family at this very sad time. Bob and Pat Green

Dear Vi and Family
Patti and I have many wonderful memories of Ralph during his time with Volkswagen Canada. He also helped shape and define the Import Automobile Association in Canada.
He was instrumental in defining the culture at VWC that being honesty, trustworthy, caring, intelligent, a true gentleman.
Please accept our deepest condolences he will be greatly missed.

Vi and Family,
We are both saddened at the loss of a wonderful friend and our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.

Rolf was a special person not only to me
but also to other VW employees and dealers. Rolf started with VW Canada at the same time as I and our friendship was
further supported by the fact that we came from the same area in Germany and could converse in our own familiar
dialect.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to you Vi and family.

Egon and Ann Holzwarth Gabriola Island

To Vi and Family
Please accept our deepest condolences.
You are always in our thoughts.
Love John and Sarah x

Dear Vi,
Rosemary and I extend our sincere sympathy to you and your family on the loss of Rolf.I have very fond memories of working with Rolfduring the establishment of the Automobile Importers of Canada and of the good times we shared with you and Rolf at our annual meetings. You are in our thoughs and prayers.
Don and Rosemary McArthur

May God comfort you at this time of
Loss. With deep Sympacy

I met Ralph over 40 years ago as I became an Audi dealer. He was always a kind, smart, honest man whom I respected a great deal. Me and my family would like to extend our deepest condolences and that our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.

I have many wonderful memories of Ralph during his time with Volkswagen Canada. He helped define the culture: honest, trustworthy, caring, intelligent, a true gentleman.
My deepest condolences are with Vi and her Family who have gone through this most recent difficult, painful, journey.

One of the nicest men I have had the pleasure of knowing. Truly Saddened by the loss of one of our VW friends. My thoughts are with Ralph’s family at this time.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Vi and the family on the loss of Rolf. He was truly a wonderful person and always took the time to say hello. He was not only concerned about VW but also his colleagues.

While at VW in the mid / late ‘70’s, I had the privilege of meeting Ralph infrequently. All though our meetings were always short, in my case, each was absolutely memorable. My memory of Ralph is that he was truly unique. He was a true gentlemen in a rough and tumble industry. God bless his soul. I would like to offer my sincere condolences to his family.

July 4th 2010

Please eccept my deepest sympaties

We have lost one of the " Nice " guys of the auto industry, a true gentleman in every sense of the word.

Not many may remember that Ralph started monthly lunches with the staff at his "Lunch with the VP" (to get to know employees better.) He wanted to listen to their suggestions to make VW a more efficient/better place to work in. I was at one of the first such lunches and I realized how very personable and intelligent he was. His bright and cheerful countenance lit up the room and his zest and energy certainly energized those of us around him. Rest in Peace! Jennifer Coutinho, Toronto, Ontario

Dear Vi and Family.
Christine (whom you have not met) and I extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing af Ralph.
I will always remember the many years Ralph and I worked together at VWC and the many times our families would meet at the picnics and social events. Ralph was a great colleague, intelligent, smart, and honest and trustworthy. A great colleague and good friend. Regretfully when I left VWC we lost touch with each other, but just recently in May, while in Germany and having Dinner with Karl Barths, we spoke about Ralph, you and your family and the good times we all had together. I will miss Ralph, like so many other good friends of the past, who have left this world.
Sincerely,

Henry and Christine Sahrmann
10 Wakopa Place
Winnipeg, Manitoba R2M 5H1

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Hestler
early in 1964 when I joined VW Canada. I have never met, and never will again, such a total gentleman he set a atandard for others that will be hard to obtain. He'll not be soon forgotten by any who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family including the VW family at this sad time.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Vi and the family on the loss of Rolf who was a wonderful person. He was a great and reliable friend and a huge contributor to his company and the automobile import community.

Admired, loved and respected by all, he will be sadly missed.

OUR CONDOLENCES.
Our thoughts and prayers,to Vi and Family.

Tony and Christine Andreou

You lost a good husband and father. We lost a trusted colleague and true gentleman.

Jeannie and I have wonderful memories and photos of the times spent with Rolf and Vi. He was well respected and loved by many. Our thoughts are with Vi and her children.

We were saddened to hear of Rolf's passing. He was a true kind & gentle friend. We have many happy memories shared over 40 years and we will miss him greatly.
Brenda & Jim Chandler

So sorry to hear of the passing of a true gentleman. The world and Canada are a better place because was here. We have nothing but good memories of Ralph.
Gloria and Earl Fletcher

A very wonderful person he will be missed by lots of people.

Bill Webster.

Coquitlam B.C,

I so clearly remember my first day on the job at VW Canada , January 1989 ............ Ralph ( Rolf ) said to me that he expected I would be somewhat busy in the months and years ahead and he offered to " take care " of the whole " financial side " of the business so I could focus on what he said was the " important stuff " . We just got on so well from that first day ......... and I can say without reservation that it was an Honor and a Privilege to work alongside Ralph .
Barbara and I are holding Vi and the family in our thoughts and prayers . Rest in Peace Dear Friend .

may he rest in Piece

So sad to see the passing of a real gentleman. A pioneer who helped to build Volkswagen Canada into a great company. Ralph (Rolf) will be missed by many of his colleagues who have only good memories working with and for him. He will always be remembered by his gentle and caring ways.