In loving memory of Alwin Maerz, AKA Sauerkraut, Crazy German, Einstein, Square Head… to name a few, born April 27, 1941, in Wetzlar, Germany. With a heavy heart, I, Laura, his little girl, regret to announce his passing on Monday, October 5, 2026, at the ripe age of 85 years old.

A brickie he was his whole life, except when he was a door-to-door vacuum salesman. He possessed a rare set of skills while working for the Union, from being able to spot a crooked wall 3 blocks away to drinking a 12-pack of Molson EX while still laying a foundation straight-faced.

He built hundreds of walls and laid thousands of bricks, some of which will have in them a nail or a beer bottle cap. He made lifelong friends and drinking buddies while working for the Bricklayers and Stonemasons Union Local 2. He competed in many competitions and usually placed 2nd, if not 1st, in Ontario.

What a life you have lived, Dad. Everyone has a story to tell that they will forever remember. Stories from your home country of Germany, having a drink with Elvis, and travelling all over the world. Landing in Canada in ’68 to meet your brother Otmar and his wife Vivian. Barrie, of all places, at a time when Bayfield St. was nothing but farmers’ fields and CK Chinese Food. And living at the gone but never forgotten Clifton Hotel, where good times were had and good friends were made, leading to a sign stating, “No mini horses allowed.”

With all that being said, you are now at rest with your longtime girlfriend Winnie Foster Paget, who passed away April 22, 2008. You leave behind your children Stephen, Laura, and Chad, and your granddaughter Alice Lehoux. I, Laura, was blessed and have had the honour of having him as my 80-year-old ‘roomie’ whom I could call Daddy for the last 2 years. What a ride! I would not have been able to do it without the help and support from Sonny Lapalme, also known as Larry, Terry, and Jack. And from the wonderful PSWs, nurses, and staff at RVH, St. Elizabeth, Care Partners, and Bayshore. And from ROSA, who ‘never took any B.S.’ from him.

Our deepest gratitude to all our relatives, friends, and neighbours for the overwhelming outpouring of love, comforting messages, and kindness shown during our recent loss. Your thoughtfulness has brought our family immense strength.

In lieu of flowers, because you can’t eat a bouquet, we kindly ask that you redirect your generosity by sending financial or food donations to our local food bank. Thank you for helping keep the community fed in Alwin’s honour.