WANNER, Louis

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Louis (Lajos) Wanner, passed away peacefully at age 91 surrounded by his beloved family in his home. He was born in Rathka, Hungary, but considered Canada (especially Sarnia) his home.

The aftermath of the great depression and World War 2, framed his early years of hardship and the historical events made him a stronger, kinder and a resilient man.

Louis “escaped” from Hungary during the revolution in 1957, in a cloak and dagger fashion and came to Canada to start a life of peace and opportunity. He came with just a few dollars in his pocket and created an incredible life both personally and financially.

Louis was intelligent, had a strong German work ethic and endless curiosity. He could fix almost anything, and saved almost everything…. just in case he might need them someday.

Throughout his life, Louis had multiple professions. He was a restaurateur in Dryden, a home builder in Winnipeg, a worker for the Manitoba Nickle company and in Sarnia he developed land, became a property manager, and finally an engineer technologist for 23 years at Fiberglass. In retirement he never stopped moving or going from one home project to another!

In Sarnia during the late sixties, he met Kamal, who had 2 young children from a previous marriage. Even in his last moments he reflected that his greatest achievement was his family. Louis was successful in creating his ultimate legacy of 4 loving children: Gita (John), Deepak (Audrey), Andrew (Jennifer) and Roger (Renee). His 12 grand children, 5 great grand children and numerous nephews and nieces around the world who mourn his loss but will always remember their dear Opa/ Louis Uncle and the valuable life lessons he taught them. Along with the family he adored, Louis also leaves the real estate legacy of Wanner Avenue and Kamal Street in Sarnia.

Louis always wore beige pants and similar shirts every single day. This love for routine also extended to the simple pleasures which defined his life. He loved gardening, creating wine from his own grapes, listening to Hungarian music, eating good food on a schedule, reading newspapers/ magazines, listening to CBC all day long, and rocking on his backyard swing overlooking his incredible fruit and vegetable garden. Dancing with his wife was also another of his favourite pastimes.

Louis was always fair to the last cent and honest to a fault. If you wanted any piece of information, just ask him, as he had all the documentation. His filing system was second to none. He could find a receipt for an appliance he bought 25 years ago! Louis would have excelled as an accountant.

Louis was the type of person who his friends could count on. He didn’t want the limelight but was comfortable being the wings beneath their wings. He helped where he could, and treated people with kindness and respect.

Louis dearly loved his wife, Kamal. They were a formidable pair; a partnership where two, very hardworking, ambitious people accomplished so much as a team.

The Wanner family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Sarnia paramedics, the awesome PSWs who helped so much, the Bluewater Health staff, Dr. Pandu Shetty, Dr. V. Bhargava, Dr. Soparker, Dr. Farag and to the many dear friends who have helped in so many ways.

Cremation has taken place. A funeral service will be held at a future date. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to the charity of your choice (cheques only at the funeral home please). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.

‘You gave us everything, and now we carry your wisdom and love in our hearts, forever grateful for the life you shared with us.’ We love and miss you so much, Dad!