Ted Otmar Batsch

BATSCH, Ted O. joined his beloved wife Elsie in the early morning hours on Thursday, March 10, 2022; ten years and one day after her passing on March 9, 2012.  Loving father to Ron Batsch (Sherri-Lynn) and Deanna Fry, proud grandfather to Abby Fry, dear brother of Mike Batsch (Laurie), and brother-in-law to Clara Wiser (Eddie) and Trudy Burk (Emile), Ted died peacefully at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie with his children by his side.  He will be remembered fondly by nephews, nieces, and other relatives, as well as by friends and employees.  At 90 years of age Ted still worked 6 days a week right up until two months before his passing.

Born as Otmar Batsch to Siegmund Batsch and Gertrude (Szigiol) in Katowitz, Poland in 1931, Ted had two older brothers Norbert (Mike), Waldemar (Bob), and two stepsisters Hildegarde (Hilda, Gerda), and Isabella (Bella).  The family were considered ‘Ethnic Germans’ by the Polish regime during WWII and had to flee to neighbouring Austria for safety.  The three boys and their parents immigrated to Canada in May of 1951, where they settled in Toronto, Ontario.

Ted worked at various jobs as he studied to become a Tool and Die Designer/Maker.  His career in the automotive parts industry began in earnest when he joined Kent Tools Ltd. in Markham.  He and several partners began their own manufacturing business, Techonic Industries Ltd., located in Tottenham, Ontario in the early 1970’s.  After suffering significant losses during a dip in the economy and automotive industry during the early 1980’s, Ted started all over again to found Auto Panel Manufacturing, with his wife Elsie.  Their son Ron joined them several years later and this family business is still thriving today in Barrie, Ontario.

Ted and Elsie (nee Stelter) were married on September 7, 1957.  After renting in Toronto for several years they bought their own home on Wexford Ave. in Scarboro.  It was here that daughter Deanna and son Ron were born, in 1962 and 1964 respectively.  The family moved to 9 Toscanini Rd. in the Oak Ridges/King City area in the fall of 1972.  Ted enjoyed keeping busy with renovation and building projects to make both these homes very special and unique.  The many family celebrations that were held around the backyard pool in Oak Ridges are fondly remembered by all.  Finally, Ted and Elsie moved to their beautiful penthouse condominium on the Kempenfelt Bay waterfront in Barrie in 2004.  On the 15th floor with a huge terrace, they enjoyed the rest of their lives over-looking the bay and the city of Barrie.

The family also had a second home in Florida for over 40 years, first at Patriot Square in St. Petersburg, and then at Key Capri on Treasure Island.  Here again, Ted busied himself with creating beautiful and functional spaces for the family.  He also contributed his expertise to the common areas and helped many neighbours and friends with projects in their homes.  Along with his son, Ted completed his last project for dear friends Edson and Gloria Murray in January 2022.  Upon returning home from Florida this last time his health rapidly declined.

Ted enjoyed and was passionate about several different hobbies over his lifetime.  An avid stamp collector in his youth, he enjoyed fishing with his oldest brother Bob, and working on anything mechanical with his brother Mike.  He will be remembered by all for creating and sharing his extravagantly detailed basement model railroad installations.  Ted could fix or make anything, and he spent countless hours with his son Ron in both the workroom and garage.

Whether on a cruise, at the Mandarin, Sweet Tomatoes in Florida, or Uncle Bob’s in Barrie, Ted loved to eat buffet style.  He also enjoyed traditional German food and was the ultimate wiener schnitzel connoisseur.  Ted will be remembered as the smartest, handiest, most hard-working man you could ever meet.  Rest in peace with your wife, mother, friends, and ancestors Ted, we will see you again some day.

This remembrance of Ted’s life, a photo gallery, and an opportunity to contribute thoughts or photos of your own are available at:  http://barrie.basicfunerals.ca/obituary/Ted-Batsch.  Those wishing to honour Ted's life with a donation in his memory may do so to their charity of choice.