Josephy, Walter
Peacefully at home in Guelph on January 18, 2007. Walter Josephy at
the age of 86. Loving father of Michael and his wife Elsie Hernandez
of San Jose, Costa Rica and David of Guelph. Proud grandfather of
Daniel, Sylvia, and Irene. Deeply missed by his wife Sophia Hamelijnck
and step-daughters Judit and Sonja Smits.
Walter was born in Rostock, Germany to a prominent Jewish family. He
moved with his mother and sister to Berlin, where he spent his teenage
years. Escaping fascism, he fled to Czechoslovakia and then to
England. Along with many fellow refugees, he was interned in 1940 as a
"friendly enemy alien" and shipped to camps in Canada. Subsequently,
he joined the British army and served as an engineer in India and
elsewhere. He returned to England after the war, where he married
Goldie and his two sons were born. The family emigrated to Canada in
1957. Walter was a founding member of the teaching staff of the
Eastern Ontario Institute of Technology, which later became Algonquin
College. He taught electrical engineering there until his retirement
and was an inspiring teacher and mentor.
Walter spoke four languages. He was an avid reader and entertaining
raconteur, always eager to explain and discuss concepts in science and
technology. He was an active member of the Humanist Association of
Canada and of Veterans Against Nuclear Arms. He traveled widely,
especially in his retirement. Walter was honoured in the city of his
birth at commemorations of the Holocaust in 1999. Walter was vigorous
to his final year, travelling in Costa Rica and Nicaragua with Michael
and his family in July 2006.
He recently moved to Guelph where he was assisted by David and by
Karen, whom he loved as a cherished friend.
An opportunity to meet with the family will take place on Thursday
January 25, 2007 at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart
Chapel, 1099 Gordon St., Guelph.
A memorial service to celebrate Walter's life will be held in Ottawa
at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to a charity of your choice would be
appreciated.
wow!
