Buchmann, Josef
Buchmann, Josef “The Godfather of the Decadent”
March 13, 1933 – June 28, 2023It is with deep sadness and much love that we mourn the loss of Josef Buchmann, a devoted and esteemed husband, father and friend. Josef died peacefully surrounded by his family on June 28, 2023 at the age of 90 in the gardens of the Innisfree House Hospice.
Survived by his best friend and loving wife of 47 years, Monika Buchmann. Lovingly remembered by his son Andre Buchmann; his daughters, Maika Walsh (and her husband James Walsh), and Tanya Tomasin; his adoring granddaughter Olivia Tomasin; and his sister-in-law, Ida Buchmann and her three sons.
He was predeceased by his parents, Mathias Buchmann (1940) and Veronika Wutka (1942); his brother, Johann Buchmann (1992), his sisters Veronika Buchmann (1931) and Maria; “Ria” Knaudt (2013).
Josef dedicated 58 years of his life to the Bakers' Guild, in which he took great pride. He was brilliant at his craft as Master Baker. His formal degree training in Graz, Austria (1948-50), as a botanical gardener, provided him the core knowledge needed to be successful in his career.
Josef continued to work tirelessly to provide for his loving family since immigrating to Canada in March 1954. He celebrated his 21st birthday during his journey across the ocean; he was considered an orphan and was almost denied entry, but this did not stop him from his dream of opportunity and desire for success. Josef lived a hard life, but he never complained. He demonstrated endless gratitude for his successes which were achieved through hard work, grit and stubborn determination – traits that were revered by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him
He took great pride in his German heritage and culture and never failed to tell stories about tough beginnings that demonstrated his tenacity, strength of character and ultimately a life well lived.
Josef was a kindhearted and gentle soul who was deeply admired by his friends and family. He loved music, the outdoors, hiking, camping, planting new crops, travelling, animals, and crossword puzzles.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the amazing staff and volunteers at Innisfree House Hospice for their care and compassion during his final days. They treated him with the dignity and respect that every human deserves. In honour of the departed, in lieu of flowers, donations to Innisfree House Hospice would be greatly appreciated by the family. As per his wishes, cremation has taken place and no funeral service or visitation is planned.
We can only hope that Josef’s soul is finally reunited with his dear mother and father, who were taken from him far too early.
