It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kars (Karl) Gortmaker. Karl leaves behind his beloved wife and love of his life, Loretta Gortmaker. He was a devoted father to Loretta Goff and Kevin Gortmaker ( Wanda LaSaga). Karl was a proud grandfather to Laura, David and Kyle and seven great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his father (Klaas), his mother (Hendrikje), his sister Aalida and brother Albert.
He was born in Toronto in 1933 to Dutch immigrant parents Klaas and Hendrikje and was younger brother to Aalida and Albert. Klaas moved the family north of Dwight where they owned and operated Riverside Motel and Cabins. The Gortmaker family then moved into Huntsville where they owned a Rambler dealership in the sixties. Karl met his wife of 57 years, Loretta McTague at a dance in Baysville. They wed in 1964 and in 1965 they had their daughter Loretta and then their son Kevin in 1969. They moved to Orillia for a few years and then Karl took a job in Guelph in 1977. Karl started selling used cars in the late seventies on York Road at Beaverdale Sales. Karl, his daughter Loretta and son Kevin started Best Auto Body Supplies in 1991. That business later transitioned into Probuy Safety Solutions in 1995. He loved working with his kids and his « adopted work kids » until his final days at the ripe age of 88. He loved to recreate his favourite cars and trucks from his past into precision wood replicas.
The family would like to thank the medical professionals at the Guelph General Hospital. Cremation will take place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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Sunday October 31st 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Karl Gortmaker Sunday October 31st 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Guelph, Province: Ontario