It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Kurt Vogel on February 15, 2023. A husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend to many. Kurt leaves behind his daughter Barb, his son Ken (Beckie), his son Rob (Lisa), his adored grandchildren Marcus (Annie), Tristin, Eva, and Carson as well as nieces and nephews in California and Switzerland. Kurt was predeceased by Helen, his wife of 68 years, his brother Oscar Vogel and his sister Trudi Von Arb of Switzerland.
Born in St. Galen, Switzerland, on May 19, 1928, Kurt learned his carpentry and timber framing trade before immigrating to Canada in 1954. Kurt and Helen initially made Don Mills, Ontario, home before moving to their beloved “Highland Glen” farm in Duntroon, Ontario.
In 1965, Kurt formed his own construction company “Kurt Vogel Construction” specializing in custom home building utilizing his Swiss master carpentry skills. Many of Kurt’s high-quality chalet and recreational homes remain prominent across the escarpment at Alpine, Osler and Devil’s Glen Ski Clubs. Kurt was involved in completing two renovations and contributed to the unique character of the Devil’s Glen Ski Club House. Chalet owners were not only clients but became lifelong friends to Kurt, Helen and the family. Kurt’s signature project came later in his career with the construction of Mariners Haven, an exclusive waterfront project in the Collingwood Harbour.
In his spare time, Kurt could be found at the farm raising sheep, chickens and making improvements to his farm home and property. Kurt enjoyed spending winter weekends at Devils Glen Ski Club with family and friends. So many life long friendships resulted from time spent enjoying the slopes, trails and social events at the ski club.
Kurt’s passion for creativity remained into his retirement. He enjoyed spending his early mornings with a coffee and the newspaper, however the remainder of his day was spent on the farm working on projects in his workshop or in the bush. He enjoyed wood carving, making furniture, drawing, cutting trails, splitting and stacking wood, bird watching and sudoko. Kurt loved to tour his grandchildren around the farm on his gator, catch frogs at the pond and teach them his mother tongue of Swiss German. Kurt also pursued his passion for travel and lifelong learning with trips to the Antarctica touring research stations, trekking in the Himalayas/Napal and skiing the Swiss Alps.
His final years were spent at the Raglan Retirement Community with his beloved wife Helen and some very compassionate caregivers. The family are immensely thankful for the wonderful care provided by Right At Home and the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital. The family is also very grateful to Dr. Mark Enright and his staff.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Collingwood General and Marine Hospital or the charity of your choice. As per Kurt’s wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place at the Vogel farm on Sunday May 28 from 2 to 5pm. To sign Kurt’s Book of Memories, please visit www.chattersonfuneralhome.com