September, 2005 - Nr. 9

Paul Tuerr turns 85

You would never know it when you meet Mr. Tuerr, but yes: he turned 85 on Tuesday August 30, 2005. His schedule today is as busy as it has been all his life and when speakers at the birthday party at Kitchener’s Walper Hotel use the term "energy bunny", it is said in admiration, affection and considerable envy. Just try to get him on the phone: "Sorry, he is in meetings" or "he just left for a business luncheon". It is no different in his personal life. Just ask his daughters: "Never a dull moment, a life experience …" In the words of Mrs Ingrid Starr: "When he is at the cottage, he may have just arrived at dinnertime, but often has no time for dinner, because he arranged a meeting and has to meet his guests. The next morning he is in his atelier and paints before breakfast …."

Among the 100 plus guests were family and friends from all walks of life. Federal, Provincial and local politicians, business and academic friends. Just friends. This was the expressed feeling of all speakers as they spoke of Paul Tuerr, also the subject of a personal Poem, and acknowledged by him in his parting comments: family and friends are what matters in life and he wanted to be among his family and friends, especially on this day. The evening was mc’d by son-in-law Peter Starr. The dinner (an excellent roast beef) was accompanied musically by pianist Devaughn David.

Paul Tuerr’s many accomplishments and contributions to K-W over his 57 years in the city were summarized by speakers in terms of …" a great man, a great family man, a great citizen, a man of integrity…. " But also, as recounted by Andrew Telegdi, a man who speaks his mind. His life’s path and accomplishments are covered in a 2004 biography, written by Dr. Ulrich Frisse, titled "Der Weg zum Erfolg. Paul Tuerr - eine deutsch-kanadische Lebensgeschichte", published by Trans Atlantic Publications. The book is in the process of being translated into English and should be available Spring 2006.

His most recent contributions were a rather large donation to the Waterloo Centre for German Studies and the establishment in Mannheim of the "Anna Tuerr Memorial Park" with the "Mother of the Universe" sculpture at its centre.

Echo Germanica joins in to wish Paul a continued active life and all the very best for the coming years.

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