Obituary of Robert Huschka

Huschka, Robert ~ Robert Huschka peacefully left us on March 30, 2015 in his 80th year. Born in 1935 in Sudetenland, Bob was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Anna Huschka, who immigrated to Canada when Bob was 14 and his brother, Kurt (Lorrie) was 10. Five years later, he was named class valedictorian at Galt Collegiate. Although he wanted to be an artist or a soldier Bob realised he needed a real job and his passion lay in teaching. A graduate of WLU he began his teaching career at Elmira District Secondary School (EDSS) in 1957. That same year Bob married his beloved Mary and his family grew with the addition of Rita, Tom (Brenda), and Robbie. Bob’s children eventually presented him with five grandchildren, Josh Sprague (Erin), Sabrina Hutchison (David), Kyle Huschka, Brittany Huschka (Paul), and Sara Bews. They, in turn, presented him with five great-grandchildren, Owen, Kade, Finley, Kenley, and Sidney, who always made their Opa smile. EDSS embraced Bob and a love affair of 31 years was initiated. A German teacher and guidance counselor to begin with, Bob then became a history teacher and head of the department for many years. Not one to waste time he also became very involved in the Elmira community. A member of town council and a stalwart of the local Liberal party, Bob encouraged young people to participate in the democratic process. He also sat on the Elmira Theatre Company Board of Directors and served as a Trustee for WRDSB. Bob sang in the Concordia Club choir, played tennis, ping pong, volleyball and eventually became President of the Concordia Club overseeing its 125th anniversary celebration. Bob’s retirement from EDSS was celebrated at the Concordia Club with over 400 former students, faculty and friends in attendance. His influence on his students cannot be overstated – from as far back as 1960 students from each decade continued to stay in touch. Bob had a profound impact on many people; he believed there was no more important job in the world than teaching and his students benefited from that belief. Bob spent his last few years at Sunnyside Home in Kitchener where the staff included many of his former students. He was especially grateful to Mara, Sue, and Christine. Bob will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Cremation has taken place. Memorial visitation will be held at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira on Thursday, April 2, 2015 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Bring your stories and songs to the CELEBRATION of Bob’s LIFE on Thursday, April 9, 2015 at 3 p.m. at the Concordia Club, 429 Ottawa St. S., Kitchener. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to Sunnyside Home Foundation and would be appreciated by the family. Service Summary Memorial Visitation: Thursday, April 2, 2015 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home ~ Celebration of Life: Thursday, April 9, 2015 at 3 p.m. at the Concordia Club, 429 Ottawa St. S., Kitchener ~ Donations: Sunnyside Home Foundation (247 Franklin St. N., Kitchener, ON N2A 1Y5)