Obituary
Falter, Dr. Hermann (1938-2022)
Dr Hermann Falter passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on Sunday November 27th 2022, at home, surrounded by his family.
He was born near Munich, Germany in 1938, in a country on the brink of war. He never forgot the hardships of his childhood and adolescence and contributed quietly to charities at home and abroad whose mission was to “feed the children.”
He came to Canada as a young man and enrolled in a bachelor of science program at Laurentian
University. Here he met his future wife, Pat. They were married for 57 years.
Upon graduation, Hermann was awarded a full academic scholarship to study for a PhD at the University of Cincinnati. After a post-doctoral year at the University of Munich, he returned to Sudbury in 1970 with his young family, where he became assistant professor in the fledgling biochemistry program. He loved teaching, and in 199 was awarded the Students’ General Association Award for Exceptional Teaching performance. His peers selected him for the Angus Gilbert Distinguished Colleague Award in 2000.
He was always active in the community in a volunteer capacity, serving as a member of the board of the Northern Cancer Foundation and as a member and chair of the Manitoulin-Sudbury District Health Council, to mention only two of many positions.
As a member of the executive team at Laurentian University, Hermann worked very hard to bring a medical school to Sudbury. In 2019 he was named Professor Honorarius in recognition of his long and distinguished service to the medical school.
Throughout his career he engaged actively in research and had papers published in many reputable journals. With his friends, Dr. Angelo Mazuccin and Jeff Sutton, he developed the principles of blood plasma separation that has resulted in the flourishing medical success company, Verv.
Hermann was fabled chief negotiator in securing collective agreements at Laurentian University and the School of Medicine. He was proud of the fact that, during his tenure, there was never a strike.
Hermann was a devoted and supportive father to his two children, Brian and Laura-Beth. He enjoyed a close bond with his granddaughter, Nicole.
Hermann and Pat travelled extensively and enjoyed many happy years with friends and family at their camps in Tehkummah Township and Providence Bay on Manitoulin Island.
Friday nights at Eddie’s with his friends was a tradition of many years’ standing. He contributed enthusiastically to the Bad Poets’ Society and was instrumental in moving its stature from “bad” to “mildly mediocre”.
In accordance with his wishes, a private family funeral with no public visitation has taken place. Donations to the Maison McCulloch Hospice or the Northeastern Cancer Center are appreciated.
We will love him forever, and miss him always.
Cremation services by Simple Wishes of the North Sudbury.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Hermann Falter, please visit our Tree Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Hermann Falter April 10 1938 November 27 2022 (age 84)..
Death notice for the town of: Sudbury, Province: Ontario
Hermann was the epitome of the first-rate university professor, not only in his teaching and research, but as a leader in faculty and staff relations. As President of Laurentian in the 1990’s, I was deeply indebted to him for his leadership and support in forging better labour relations and as a delightful companion on so many occasions. He has left a wonderful legacy. Jane and I send our deepest sympathies to Pat and family.
Ross Paul, Vancouver