Barry Gawthorn

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-187927

Other Events:

• Military: WW2
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-187926
• Military: 1952; Korean War
• Honoured: 1999, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; citizen of the year for his work with seniors and caregiving

Notes:

Local Second World War vet dies at 93

KITCHENER One of the few remaining Second World War veterans in Waterloo Region has died at age 93.

Ken Gawthorn, who spent much of his life in Kitchener, won five medals in the Second World War and another five in the Korean War.

In 2014, he received France's highest national order for his service in liberating the country following D-Day in 1944.

"He was a pretty amazing guy," his son, also named Ken, said in an interview on Saturday.

Gawthorn, who died on Wednesday, was so eager to enlist, he lied about his age.

"I was only 16-and-a-half but I told them I was 19," he told The Record in 1994. "I grew up in a hell of a hurry."

The former member of the Hamilton-based Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders was presented with France's Legion of Honour three years ago in Hamilton.

"It's his favourite medal," his son said. "That's what he said. He was pretty proud."

Gawthorn, who landed in France in July 1944, took part in the Battle of the Falaise Pocket, an encirclement of the German army by Canadian, British, American and Polish forces. It trapped 50,000 German soldiers and is seen as the decisive engagement of the Battle of Normandy.

He also helped liberate cities and towns in Belgium

Gawthorn was wounded by shrapnel twice, once in France and once on the border of Belgium and Holland.

"One of the fellows stepped on a mine with his heel and I got hit with all the cinders and shrapnel," he recalled. "I was picking pieces of cinders out of my head for years afterward but I never left the battle that time."

He was discharged in 1946 and about 3½ years later re-enlisted to fight in the Korean War.

"I thought they needed me," Gawthorn said with a grin. "I was 26 then and some people said I was crazy."

He fought in the Korean War for a year and discovered it was a totally different type of warfare than the European campaigns. He was discharged in 1952.

Gawthorn didn't tell family members much about his war years.

"He never told me anything he didn't want me to hear," his son said. "I only heard the good stuff, right."

"I don't think many soldiers talk about the war," said Gawthorn's sister-in-law, Dianne Hause.

In 1953, Gawthorn was chosen to attend the coronation of Queen Elizabeth and was presented with the Coronation Medal at Buckingham Palace.

He returned to Belgium in 1994 to participate in ceremonies commemorating the 50th anniversary of the country's liberation. He was one of 25 Second World War veterans chosen by their regimental associations to attend.

Gawthorn went on to become the first regimental sergeant major of the Royal Highland Fusiliers in Kitchener.

He gave back to the community with countless volunteer hours and was named Kitchener's citizen of the year in 1999 for his work with seniors and caregiving.

"He would do anything for anybody, whether he knew you or not," Hause said.

His son, who lives in St. Clements, joined the army in 1966.

"I did a three-year stint and then I got out. I'm not the army guy like my dad. I did my time and that was it for me."

Gawthorn lived in Kitchener and St. Clements before moving to a St. Jacobs retirement home. His funeral is set for Sept. 22 in Kitchener.

His son is unsure whether any Second World War vets will attend.

"I don't know if there's any still alive that he knows, but the Korean vets will probably be there."

As of March 2016, there were just 61,300 Canadian veterans of the Second World War still alive, down from 75,900 in 2014.

gpaul@therecord.com , Twitter@GPaulRecord

Paul, G. (2017). Local Second World War vet dies at 93 | TheRecord.com. TheRecord.com. Retrieved 18 September 2017, from https://www.therecord.com/news-story/7559767-local-second-world-war-vet-dies-at-93/

Kenneth — Esther Kropf. Esther (daughter of George Kropf and Elizabeth Sarah Hoy) was born 1920; died 2 Jun 2003, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Esther Gawthorn
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-187885

Notes:

Gawthorn, Esther - Passed away peacefully, on Monday, June 2, 2003, at K-W Health Centre of Grand River Hospital, at the age of 82 years. Esther (nee Kropf) Gawthorn was the beloved wife of Ken Gawthorn for 57 years. Loving mother of Ken Jr. and his wife Debbie of St. Clements. Dear grandmother of Jay and Joey Gawthorn. She will be missed by her sisters, Gladys Klie, Dianne Hause of Waterloo and brothers, Ab and his wife Ruth Kropf, Art and his wife Joan Kropf of Fergus, Bob and his wife Anne Kropf, and Wayne and his wife Gail Kropf, both of Kitchener and sisters-in-law, June and Gloria Kropf. Survived by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her infant son Barry; brothers, George and Lawrence Kropf and parents, George and Elizabeth Kropf. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate Esther's life will take place on Wednesday, June 4, 2003 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick St., Kitchener (749-8467). Internment will take place in Parkview Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Grand River Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home).Visit www.obit411.com/1016 for Esther's memorial.

The Record, June 3, 2003

Other Events:

• Residence: Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 201 Weber St., East, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-38655
• Military: 1914, WW1; WW1, Sergeant, 34th Battalion
• Military: 1914, WW1; WW1, Service #602111 - left with the 34th Battalion but was transferred to the 27th Winnipeg.
• Misfortune: 1917; lost hand in war
• Residence: 1960, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1975, 247 Franklin St. N., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Kropf, George - At St. Mary's Hospital On Friday, March 7, 1975, after a brief illness, George Kropf, aged 86 years, of 247 Franklin Ave. N., Kitchener. Husband of Elizabeth Hoy; father of Esther (Mrs. Kenneth Gawthorn) of Kitchener, Gladys (Mrs. Harry Klie) of Kitchener, Dianne (Mrs. John Hause) of Waterloo, George of Tiverton, Albert of Kitchener, Arthur of Waterloo, Robert of Kitchener, Lawrence of Kitchener and Wayne of Kitchener; brother of Mrs. Irma Kehn of Kitchener; 20 grandchildren and one great-grandchild also survive; predeceased by his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. George Kropf. He was a member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 50, Kitchener and the War Amputees Association of Canada. Friends may call at Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home, 621 King St. W., Kitchener, after 2 p.m. on Saturday. Funeral and committal service in the Ratz-Bechtel chapel Monday at 2 p.m. Rev. Harold Brill will officiate. Internment will be made in Woodland cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made by donations to the Ontario Heart Fund.

Kitchener-Waterloo Record, March 7, 1975

Misfortune:
Sergt. George Kropf, wounded at the battle of Courcelette on Sept. 15, returned home to Kitchener last Wednesday. He lost a hand and still has his left arm in a sling. The boat on which he returned took 16 days to make the trip owing to the presence in the Atlantic of a German raider. Sergt. Kropf left with the 34th Battalion but was transferred to the 27th Winnipeg.

New Hamburg Independent, January 12, 1917

George married Elizabeth Sarah Hoy 31 Jul 1920, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth (daughter of Charles William Hoy and Elizabeth Priscilla Aylward) was born Oct 1898, London, England; died 15 Aug 1975, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Woodland Cem., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Sarah Kropf
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-173253
• Immigration: 1907
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1975, 247 Franklin St. N., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Kropf, Mrs. George (Elizabeth) - At her home, 247 Franklin St. N., on Friday, August 15, 1975 after a brief illness, Elizabeth Sarah Hoy aged 76 years. Mrs. Kropf was born in England, a daughter of the late Charles Hoy and the former Sarah Aylward; a member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church. Wife of George Kropf, who predeceased her March 7 of this year; mother of Esther (Mrs. Kenneth Gawthorn), Gladys (Mrs. Harry Klie), Albert, Robert, Lawrence and Wayne Kropf, all of Kitchener, Dianne (Mrs. John Hause) and Arthur Kropf of Waterloo and George of Tiverton; sister of William Hoy of Waterloo and Harry Hoy of Hensall; 20 grandchildren and one great-grandson, Jay Gawthorn also survive. Friends may call at the Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home, 621 King St. W., Kitchener after 7 p.m. tonight. Funeral and committal service in the chapel Monday at 4 p.m. with Rev. F. W. Zinck officiating. Internment Woodland cemetery. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society may be made as expressions of sympathy.

Kitchener-Waterloo Record, August 16, 1975

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-38650
• Immigration: 1881, , Canada
• Immigration: 1882, , Ontario, Canada
• Naturalization: 1885, , Ontario, Canada
• Naturalization: 1886
• Occupation: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer, Factory
• Residence: 1911, 201 Weber St. E., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

Mr. George Kropf one of Kitchener's life long residents died suddenly last night at about five o'clock in the person of George Kropf at his residence, 201 East Weber street. The deceased was in his 59th year and had been in poor health for almost a year. The late Mr. Kropf was born in Germany but came direct to Kitchener where he entered the employ of the Canada Furniture company on his arrival. He was an old and faithful employee of this company up to the time of his first illness in March. Mr. Kropf was a faithful member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church during the time of his residence in Kitchener. He was also a member of Court 72 of the Foresters and of the K O T M. Surviving him are his wife, five sons and one daughter as follows: Albert George and Henry and Erma, Mrs. F. Kehn of Kitchener, William of Sturgis, Mich. and Edwin of Armstrong, Ont. Two sisters, Mrs. Geo Snyder of Kitchener and Mrs. John Listman of Stratford and two brothers in Germany also survive. The funeral of the late Mr. Kropf will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2: 30 from his late residence, 201 East Weber street to the Ease End Lutheran cemetery for internment.

Kitchener Daily Record, October 22, 1923

George married Catherine Boecking 20 Jan 1884, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Catherine was born 6 Jul 1860, , Germany; died 8 Oct 1945, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Saint Peter's Lutheran Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Anna Catharine Becking
• Name: Catherine Kropf
• Name: Katie Becking
• Name: Katie Boecking
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-38651
• Immigration: 1881, , Canada
• Immigration: 1882, , Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1945, 201 Weber St. E., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Mrs. Katherine Kropf, widow of George Kropf, who resided at 201 Weber St. E., died yesterday at the K-W Hospital in her 86th year. She was born in Germany and came to Canada in her 21st year, being married in this city two years later. Mrs. Kropf is survived by three sons, William, Sturgis, Mich., George of Kitchener and Henry of Waterloo, a daughter, Mrs. Fred Kehn, and 18 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The funeral will be from the Schreiter-Sandrock Funeral Home Thursday at two o'clock, to St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery. Rev. A. H. Eissfeldt will officiate. The remains are resting at the funeral home.

Kitchener Daily Record, October 9, 1945

Other Events:

• Nationality: , Canada
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-173247
• Immigration: 1907
• Immigration: 1907, , Canada
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mason, Builder
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Occupation: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Brick Layer, Contractor
• Residence: 1921, 167 Ahrens St. W., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Church of England
• Residence: 1975, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Charles married Elizabeth Priscilla Aylward 1890. Elizabeth (daughter of Abraham Aylward and Sarah) was born Dec 1873, London, England; died 26 Nov 1935, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 28 Nov 1935, Woodland Cem., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Nationality: , Canada
• Name: Elizabeth Priscilla Hoy
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-173248
• Immigration: 1907
• Immigration: 1907, , Canada
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1915, 167 Ahrens St. W., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Church of England

Notes:

Mrs. Charles A. Hoy

Elizabeth Priscilla Hoy, wife of Charles A. Hoy, Ahrens street, Kitchener, passed away on Tuesday at her home after a lingering illness. Mrs. Hoy, who was born in England and migrated to this country 27 years ago, was in her 64th year. She attended St. John's Anglican Church. Surviving are her husband and seven sons, William, Charles, John, Harry, Laurence, George and Arthur, all of Kitchener; twenty-two grandchildren and one great grandchild. Five brothers, George Aylward, Guelph, Harry Aylward, Hamilton, David Aylward, Toronto, Joseph Aylward, London, Eng, and Arthur Aylward of Kitchener, and two sisters, Mrs. S. Gannon, London, Eng., and Mrs. S. Baetz, Ganonoque, also survive. The funeral was held this (Thursday) morning from the Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home to Woodland Cemetery for interment. Rev. J. N. H. Mille officiated.

Waterloo Chronicle 28 Nov 1935 pg 5