Obituary of Harry Kieswetter

Beloved husband and soul mate of Sue (Heimpel) and cherished father of Tyler and his friend Lauren of Barrie and Kirby and her friend Eric of Vancouver, passed away unexpectedly in Doha, Qatar on Sunday, October 23, 2011 at the young age of 62. Harry is survived and much loved by his mother Loretta, siblings Joanne (Peter) Germann, Lloyd (Lil) and Carl (Winnie). Predeceased by his father, Sylvester and his sister, Mary Lou Stalkie. He was a special son-in-law to Janet and Ray Heimpel and brother-in-law to Rob and Michele Way, Tracey Heimpel and her partner Doug Brezina. He will be forever remembered by his nephews Jesse and Matt Germann , Colin and Corey Way and his niece Haylea Heimpel. Harry will be sadly missed by his many dear friends, both here and abroad. Growing up in Waterloo, and having participated in many local sports teams, Harry went on to attend the University of Waterloo, receiving a degree in Political Science in 1974. He then pursued his Bachelor of Education, graduating from the University of Western Ontario in 1975. Harry was an amazing educator, who worked for the Waterloo Catholic District School Board for 30 years. An extremely well respected and admired principal who inspired students, parents and teachers working quietly and humbly organizing everything from food and clothing drives to unique student activities until his retirement in 2005. It was during this time that his leadership, enthusiasm, dedication and passion for both learning and the well being of his school families was formally recognized when he was awarded the Catholic Principal's Council of Ontario, Principal of the Year Award in 2005. Harry then continued to be involved in teaching over the next 2 years, accepting a part time position at Conestoga College in the School of Business. But Harry and Sue had bigger dreams of being involved in education abroad and travelling the world. As an avid reader, he had read about so many countries and wanted to see the sights, but most importantly, meet the people. In 2007, they travelled to Doha, Qatar where they would both work as instructors for the College of the North Atlantic in post secondary education. While in Doha, Harry volunteered much of his time to the Philippine Doha School and helped many folks that he met in his every day travels, sometimes with simply a kind word or friendly smile. Unfortunately, his plans to continue to live abroad were cut short. Friends are invited to share their memories of Harry with his family during visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Thursday, November 3, 2011 from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m., and Friday, November 4, from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Michael's RC Church, 240 Hemlock Street, Waterloo on Saturday, November 5 at 1:30 pm by Fr. Murray McDermott CR as Celebrant. Interment to follow at Parkview Cemetery and a reception will be held at the church following the graveside service. Condolences for the family and donations to the Harry Kieswetter Legacy Fund may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519.745.8445. "Help and befriend whenever possible" HK The Harry Kieswetter Legacy Fund has been established to continue his life long commitment to making sure that vulnerable young people and their families, both local and abroad, are treated with the respect and love that they deserve. The fund will be adminstered and tax receipts issued by the Waterloo Region Catholic Schools Foundation in the name of the Harry Kieswetter Legacy Fund. Cheques can be sent directly to the Foundation at 35 Weber Street West, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 4G2 or donations made at the funeral home. Cheques should be made payable to the "Harry Kieswetter Legacy Fund. "