Mr. Wilhelm (“Willi”) Brysch, age 85 years, resident of Thunder Bay, passed away peacefully at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital on March 20, 2024. He was born on October 14, 1938 in Dingelbe, Germany. He was employed as a bricklayer with various construction companies in Thunder Bay. He was a member of the Brick and Allied Craft Union of Canada (BACU) for over 50 years. Willi is survived by his wife, Etheleen Porter-Brysch, son, Karl (Janey), and siblings in Germany, Maria Magdalena, Monika, and Peter. Willi is predeceased by his first wife, Ruth (Bryan), son, (Andrew) Todd, parents, Karl and Katharina, and brother, Clemens.
Willi emigrated to Canada in 1957 with Jurgen Kirchmann to start a new life in Port Arthur. Willi had worked with Jurgen’s father (Heinz) before leaving Germany. Their first job in Canada was working at a logging camp. This experience probably led to his long-time love of forests, and many would say, obsession with wood. Willi enjoyed his new life in Canada: He met up with others from Germany, socialized with people in the neighbourhood and at dances, and continued to expand his network of friends who had emigrated from all over the world. Willi taught himself to speak English and continued to work very hard to build a new life in Thunder Bay and then a family.
Willi and Ruth were married in 1963 and began their lives together in an apartment on Toledo Street. Also in 1963, Willi purchased a house and property in Kaministiquia. Shortly after, their first son, Karl was born. Willi had a very strong work ethic and he was often seen working at the house and the land in Kaministiquia aka "The Farm". Four years later, his second son Todd was born. In 1970, the home on Shuniah Street was purchased to raise their sons in the city. Willi started work on what would become a long period of renovating the home. True to his profession, the basis of his new house was constructed with concrete, brick and mortar. He was dedicated to making his family comfortable and happy.
Willi's greatest passion was spending time at The Farm. Over the years, he enjoyed taking care of, and making hay for horses, gardening, walking through the forest with the dogs, and chopping down trees, cutting and stacking wood.
Tragically, Ruth passed away in 1980, but out of the darkness, Willi found the second love of his life, and married Etheleen in 1983. She moved from London, Ontario shortly thereafter and they started their life together, continuing to raise the boys, building back a happy and loving home that would last many wonderful years.
In 1999, Willi retired as a bricklayer. After retirement he taught stone masonry, built more buildings, and expanded his gardening at The Farm. Willi was happiest when he could spend time with friends and family, eat some great spicy food, drink a beer(s) and laugh and smile like only he could. His biggest smiles would arise from spending time with young children or when an extra-large piece of cake was placed before him. Later, Willi spent his last days at a long-term care home and nothing brightened his mood like a cold, frosty can of German beer or two.
As per Willi’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. Cremation has already taken place. A celebration of life for family and friends will be held in late May or early June, 2024. Details will be announced in the Chronicle Journal. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations to any charity dedicated to the health and well-being of animals, in Willi’s name, would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
