Detlef Sertl
September 22, 1953 - August 3, 2024
Funeral Details: A Celebration of Life will be held on September 22nd
It is with absolute heartbreak that we announce the passing of Detlef Georg Leonhard Sertl on the 3rd of August, 2024 in Brampton, Ontario. Although the suddenness of it all came as a great shock to all of us, he was able to pass on with dignity and was surrounded by the faces of those he held most dear when he was called to God.
Detlef was born in Weiden in der Oberpfalz, Bavaria but moved to Canada at a young age with his parents and grandparents. But in spite of being away from his home for the majority of his life, inside his chest beat a blue and white checked heart. He was a proud Bavarian and no more was this on display then on every Bundesliga matchday where he would watch his beloved FC Bayern München - win, lose, or draw…who are we even kidding? They’d mostly win.
Detlef had a great respect and admiration for the natural world and would be constantly found walking local parks and trails with Coleen, his wife, taking incredible photos of the outdoors and all it had to offer – birds being his favourite subject to capture on film. Such was his skill with a camera that you’d have thought it a natural extension of his body.
Another one of his favourite things to do outdoors was play baseball. He loved the thrill of playing third base and never met a high fastball that he wouldn’t swing at. Having played ball into his early fifties, one of the saddest days of his life, he’d say, was the day he knew he had to hang up his glove.
He was also an accomplished musician and vocalist having played in bands and performed in front of crowds for a large part of his life. Armed with his trusty Rickenbacker bass, the man could hold down a rhythm section like no other and I am not sure any of us can hear “Walking in Memphis” again without smiling and shedding a tear.
Those that knew Detlef knew that he was a man that valued honesty, integrity, and hard work over almost everything and held himself, and everyone else, to that high standard. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was never shy about giving his opinion on something, but you always knew that it came from a place of good. One thing is for certain, you never forgot an interaction with Detlef Sertl.
These few words are a mere snapshot and no amount of ink and paper could fully describe the man that Detlef truly was - his presence will be dearly missed. However, when we take the time to remember him, we can all take comfort in the knowledge that his love for us will always be eternal.
Detlef is survived by his wife of 45 years Coleen, his sons Adrian (Jennifer) and Daniel (Marjorie), his grandchildren Kaius, Ashley, Felix, Kaitlyn, and Thomas, his Mother Elsa, his brother Markus (Pamela), his sisters-in-law Shawnie and Maija, his nephews Leo, Caleb, Josiah, Luke, Josh, Konrad, and Erik, his nieces Nicole, Kristin, and Rebecca as well as numerous cousins, both here and in Germany. He is predeceased by his brother Edgar.
The Sertl family is also saddened by the loss of our patriarch Wilhelm ‘Willy’ Sertl a mere 36 hours after the passing of Detlef.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Vaughan (905-850-6266) in honour of Willy Sertl who took remarkable care of him in the weeks leading up to his passing. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on September 22nd.
Memories and messages of condolence may be shared below.
Peaceful Transition York
Joanne Brassard
Posted on: Thursday, August 15, 2024I had the pleasure of knowing Detlef for many years. There was never a conversation had that didn’t,t involve lots of laughs. I will miss him terribly, and will continue to focus on comforting Coleen as she moves forward with her loss. That,s what he would have wanted. My sincere sympathies to the entire family. There is a piece of love missing around our lake but there are fond memories going forward.
Linda Yorke
Posted on: Thursday, August 15, 2024Deepest condolences to all the family. May treasured memories bring you peace in this time of loss.
James Sessford
Posted on: Thursday, August 15, 2024Detlef was a good man and dad and even though I hadn’t seen or spoken to him in a number of years, I could feel his presence in my chats with Coleen, Daniel, and Marjie. This tells me for certain that, even though he’s physically no longer with us, he will remain with us through all of those that he loved and that loved him back.
Lupina Manso
Posted on: Thursday, August 15, 2024I’m so sad to learn about his passing but happy that our lives somehow crossed paths. I have many good memories of sharing with Colleen and Detlef. He was a man with a big heart ♥️. Sending prayers, blessings and lots of hugs to all his family. May he rest in peace. I know he is smiling down on us.
Mike S
Posted on: Thursday, August 15, 2024My deepest condolences to Coleen and the entire Sertl family.
Jeanne Page
Posted on: Friday, August 16, 2024My sincere condolences goes out to you Coleen and family. What a wonderful man he was. Sending love from England.
Martin Sertl
Posted on: Sunday, August 18, 2024My condolences to the Sertl family. I lost a brother and I dearly loved him.
Helen Greenhill
Posted on: Sunday, August 18, 2024I meet Detlef through him working at Professors Lake Recreation Centre and he got Coleen to join our Ladies Group on a Thursday morning. As you walked in the door he always met you with a smile and said something that made us laugh he took care of us Senior Ladies no request was ever to much. To say he will be missed is an understatement, one of the nicest and most caring person I have had the pleasure to know he will never be forgotten.
We will be therefore Coleen in everyway possible, she is a special person who also goes out of her way to help others and it is now our turn to be there for her.
Hugs
Helen.
Roberta Canning
Posted on: Sunday, August 18, 2024My condolences to my friend Coleen and the Sertl family.
Detlef was a person of exceptional kindness, wisdom, and warmth. He had a way of making everyone around him feel valued and appreciated. His smirky smile and laughter was always present as we would chat about things that were going on around us. He always had a good solution to solve some of the problems (can’t share them on here though!!).
Detlef’s spirit will forever be with us and around Professors Lake.
Rest in peace, Detlef. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Gayle Ali
Posted on: Sunday, August 18, 2024My condolences to Coleen and the Sertl family. May he rest in Peace.
David Guptill & Hazel Carson
Posted on: Sunday, August 18, 2024We have known Detlef and Coleen for a number of years from meeting up on our daily walks around Professor’s Lake and later from the meetings of the Professor’s Lake Residents Association. We shared an interest in the wildlife on the lake and keeping this wonderful park pristine and a safe place for the many species of water fowl that paused at our lake during migration seasons. We will miss our chats about the latest new species sighting on the lake. Our thoughts go out to Coleen and the entire Sertl family.
Felix Sano
Posted on: Monday, August 19, 2024My condolences to the entire family, may his soul rest in peace
H.Christa Zimmer
Posted on: Thursday, August 22, 2024My Condolences to the family.
Anna Ferzoco McMahon
Posted on: Tuesday, August 27, 2024Very sorry to hear the sad new of both Detlef and Willy’s passing. Sincere condolences to the Sertl Family. My father (John) and Willy were great pals and met while working in the City of Etobicoke. Detlef worked for a time with my brother Michael as well. Fond memories….
John Dell
Posted on: Wednesday, October 2, 2024Colleen, I am SO shocked and saddened to hear of our dear Detlif’s passing! I just learned of this news because of your recent comment on the YouTube song we did together – Journey’s ‘Lights’ with fellow Whitestone band members Marc Cooper, David Kai and Jim Dell. I will always cherish that day we spent together at your home in Brampton, catching up for the past 40 years or so. You both were so hospitable and sweet. I loved witnessing your encouragement and support for Detlif playing again after so many years. It was one of best of the many memorable experiences I had doing all of the ‘Tiny Living Room Series music recorded during the Covid pandemic. I believe that both Detlif and Wilhelm now are in the ‘City of Lights’ with our Creator and Lord until we meet again. He
Much Love and Blessings to you, my dear Colleen.
Here is the link to the song we did together during the pandemic. https://youtu.be/goq8v-eWF8I
Jim Dell
Posted on: Thursday, October 3, 2024I have just been made aware of Detlef’s passing!
It is so hard to know that someone who is the core of such joyful memories is not with us!
I was part of the Whitestone group and it was such a significant time in my own walk with the Lord! Detlef was a warm and encouraging member of the group as was his partner Coleen!
Detlef was so very unique in character, which was the joy of being with him yet so one in the family of God!
My deepest condolences!
Marc Cooper
Posted on: Thursday, October 3, 2024As John Dell sent us the news via Facebook the feeling of shock hit us all. Detlef, you will always be in our hearts, you were always a powerhouse bassist, and you proved it again when John asked us all to play on this wonderful version of Journeys “Lights” . And Detlef rocked it perfectly. I’m sending love to Colleen and family, may God’s peace surround you all in this season of change, of grief, and sadness. May his legacy bring joy and smiles to all.