Arno Liebster

Arno Daniel Liebster died peacefully on November 2, 2021, at Andy’s House Hospice in Port Carling.

Arno was born on February 15, 1935, in Zittau, Germany. His childhood was spent in the shadows of World War II. He spent his teenage years in Zwickau and Leipzig, part of the Russian-controlled sector of post war Germany.

In April 1957, upon completing his apprenticeship as a letterpress printer, Arno made a trip to the British-controlled sector of Germany and did not return home.

In 1960, at the age of 25, Arno immigrated to Canada. Despite weak English skills, he was able to find employment in his trade. As his English improved and encouraged by his friends, Arno decided to pursue a university education. He was admitted to the University of Toronto in September 1962, majoring in Slavic studies.

At the same time, Arno met his first love, Vera, whom he married in August 1962. He settled into his studies while Vera became the family breadwinner. Unusual for the time, both shared household and childcare tasks equally.

Following graduation, Arno became a teacher of English as a Second Language with the Toronto Board of Education. He taught English to adult and young newcomers for over 18 years providing them with the tools and inspiration for building a successful life in Canada. During his later career, his love of reading led him to pursue qualifications in Librarianship. He worked as a Teacher Librarian for over 11 years completing his career at the City Adult Learning Centre in Toronto.

Following the death of his wife Vera, lightning struck twice when Arno was introduced to Rena. She became the second love of his life and they married in February of 1996. The couple moved to Bracebridge in 2003.

Arno was passionate about music, particularly opera, choral and chamber music. He learned viola and violin during his childhood and continued with lessons and performances throughout his life. He performed with the Four Seasons Chamber Orchestra in Orillia and was a longstanding chorister with the Cellar Singers.

Arno loved his life in Muskoka. He revelled in his incredible and interesting circle of friends with whom he could discuss, debate, socialize and of course, play bridge.

Arno was preceded in death by his parents, Berthold and Margarete, his siblings Wolfgang and Barbara, and his former wife Vera.

He is survived by his wife Rena Leventhal, his children Anastasia (King), Daniel (Leigh-Ann), and Andrea (Chris), his stepchildren Debbie (Mike) and Paul, and his siblings Ulrike, Jutta and

Heinrich. He was a proud Grossvater to seven grandchildren: Ethan, Gillian, Paige, Jacob, Michael, Sydney and Christina.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at Reynolds Funeral Home, Bracebridge, from 2-4 p.m.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the visitation will be conducted in half-hour intervals and RSVP for attendance is required. To book your time with the family please visit the funeral home website, located below, or please call Reynolds Funeral Home at 705-645-2257.

PLEASE NOTE: there are 4 half-hour time slots to RSVP; each with 30 maximum attendees. Please scroll down to select your preferred time slot.

A celebration of life for Arno will be held at later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Arno may be made to Andy’s House, Port Carling https://www.hospicemuskoka.com/andys-house and can be arranged through Reynolds Funeral Home.