In Loving Memory of Willibald Michael Georg Eichenlaub

October 22, 1934 – May 22, 2026

It is with deep sadness, yet with hearts full of gratitude for a life beautifully lived, that we announce the passing of Willibald Michael Georg Eichenlaub at the age of 91. Known affectionately as "Bapa" to his family, "Opa" to his cherished grandchildren, fondly called "Mops" by his siblings and "Baldwin" by his Tante Elsbeth, Baldus by many. He passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of profound kindness, intellect, and love.

Willibald is now peacefully reunited with his beloved wife of 49 years, Karolina (née Frei). In his own biography, he beautifully referred to her as his Charmante Blondine—it was love at first sight.

Born on October 22, 1934, in Landau, Germany, to Eugen Rudolph Eichenlaub and Katherine Sybille Therese Faust, Willibald possessed a lifelong passion for language. He earned his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Mainz before immigrating to Canada, where he furthered his studies with a Master of Linguistics from the University of Toronto. Alongside his language pursuits, he also had a lifelong passion for the study of religion, philosophy, calligraphy, and attending his weekly fraternity meetings with Arminia Dorpatensis, where his fraternity name was Baldus.

His first Canadian chapter began in the world of print as the editor of Toronto’s German weekly newspaper. However, his true calling lay in the classroom, and for three decades, Bapa inspired thousands of students across Ontario. Gifted with many languages, he taught French, German, English, and Latin, famously capable of tracing the Latin derivative of absolutely any English word on command. His distinguished teaching career spanned several institutions, serving at Thornbury District High School from 1964–1966, Silverthorn Collegiate Institute from 1967–1972, and Martingrove Collegiate Institute from 1972–1994. In tandem with his regular classroom duties, he shaped the future of education as the Subject Leader of the Concurrent Education Program. His expertise lives on through his former students and his four published language textbooks.

Upon his retirement from Martingrove in 1994, Bapa traded the school halls for the countryside, building his family’s dream home in the beautiful hills of Caledon.

Willibald was the ultimate conversationalist—a man whose company was universally sought after and enjoyed. He found joy in life's simple, finer pleasures: a daily crossword puzzle, a strong cup of coffee, a slice of tiramisu, a cold Brio, a fine glass of red wine, or a traditional Weizenbier. He was a man who never complained and never uttered a bad word about anyone, teaching his family through the quiet eloquence of how he lived his life.

Throughout the years, Willibald also quietly demonstrated his deep compassion for the world around him, donating very generously to innumerable charities.

Willibald’s greatest pride was his family. He was the devoted father of Bernhard Ludwig Eichenlaub and his spouse Joanne Lisa Butler, Tania Maria Cäcilia Milko and her spouse Warren Scott Milko, and Winfried Eugen Eichenlaub. He leaves behind a lasting legacy through his grandchildren, Emily, Matthew, Thomas, Julia, Robert, and Lauren, who will deeply miss their wonderful Opa.

Willibald was predeceased by his sister, Theresa Clara Eichenlaub, and his lifelong high school gang, Dr. Markward Grießbach (Macca) and Wilfried Dollt (Lolle). He is survived and fondly remembered by his brother, Joseph Faust and his wife Denise, his sister, Blanche-Marie Gauthier/Fuchs, and his nephews and nieces, Carl Max, Marie-Pierre, Denis, Natalie, Matthew, Shana, and Leslie.

Willibald also deeply appreciated and valued the friendship and care provided by Irena, Amos, and Remi, who became true family over the last ten years.