KAPHENGST, Albert - (February 9, 1927 – June 8, 2021) -
Albert certainly had a life well lived. He especially enjoyed working in the garden digging up plants, moving rocks, and pruning trees, in his ‘official’ gardening outfit of short shorts, a bandana, and his Road King wagon.
When not gardening, Albert spent many hours corresponding to people across the world and listening to classical music. He enjoyed the arts and was himself artistic, turning his hand to wood working, painting, and writing (a novella, “The Old Shoes,” and poetry).
As a young man, he was a competition ballroom dancer and a bit player in German movies, one alongside Zsa Zsa Gabor. After trying his hand on the stage, he took up singing and met Elvis Presley. He then had a brief stint as a rock band manager. However, he soon realized that the arts did not pay well and so became a statistician at ACNielsen, which gave him the chance to use his logic.
His early life, being trained as a glider pilot, gave him the plane spotting bug, along with his fascination for finding Orion in the night sky.
Of all his achievements, Albert was especially proud to have become a Canadian.
Albert will be missed by his lifelong partner Roberta, and her daughter Vanessa. He leaves behind his sons Andreas and Brian, and grandson Samson. He also leaves behind his sister Annelotte, and nieces and nephew Reinhild, Edelgard, Almut, Ulrike, and Hans Peter and their families.
He also will be missed by family and friends across the world.
Many thanks to the staff at Thompson House for their care and concern for Albert during his last years battling Alzheimer’s. Heartfelt gratitude as well to their vigorous protocols, which have kept everyone safe.
The graveside funeral service is Monday, June 14, 1 pm at Pine Hills Cemetery, Scarborough. Social distancing rules apply. The service is being live streamed via the website of Giffen Mack funeral home, Danforth chapel.
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