Sept 15, 2020
Bernard Luttmer (1945-2020)
Bernard “Bernie” Luttmer (b. March 20 1945) passed away peacefully with his family at his side on September 1st 2020, following a stroke. Bernie was born in Groningen, Holland, son of Bernard and Tyja (Kleinenberg) Luttmer and brother to Barbera.
Bernie had a passion for sailing which began as child sailing on the canals in Holland. In 1960 Bernie immigrated to Edmonton, Alberta with his parents and sister. Bernie pursued a degree in civil engineering at the University of Alberta and swam competitively on the university swim team where he met his beloved wife Jean. After university, Bernie and Jean moved to Toronto where Bernie worked as a professional engineer designing and building swimming pools.
Lake Ontario was calling and it was not long before Bernie bought his first boat - a Flying Dutchman. Bernie did everything with enthusiasm, and in typical Bernie style, Bernie and Jean also bought the small cottage where they kept their boat on Frenchman’s Bay in Pickering, Ontario. The cottage was bought from Ralph Swan, and this was the beginning of a long career in the marine industry. Bernie and Jean founded Swans Marina and ran the business for almost 50 years.
A leader in the boating community, Bernie supported the sport of sailing with an inclusive, generous, and hard work ethic. Throughout his life Bernie supported all types of sailors in various ways such as developing grass roots high school and family learn to sail programs, selling and servicing boats to new and long-term cruisers, and sponsoring racers and Olympic sailing athletes. You could always find Bernie tying down a stranger’s boat to weather a storm or enthusiastically sharing his love and knowledge of boating.
Despite working very hard, Bernie also found time for other things he enjoyed - swimming, skiing, singing, and family. He was a passionate and compassionate man, always caring and reaching out to those around him. Inspired by his own father who was an entrepreneur and an artist, Bernie enjoyed and supported the arts. He loved dearly and leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Jean; children Katherine (JP), Carol (Richard), Bernard (Nadia); grandchildren, Eileen, Clara, John, Bernard, Simon, Isabel and Audrey; nieces and nephews, Kim, Dean, and Jill; great nieces Kassandra, Tyja, and Sam; and extended family in Canada and abroad.
His spirit lives on in the wind that fills our sails and in all of us whose lives he touched. There will be a celebration of life party when large gatherings are permitted so that family, friends, and Bernie’s community can come together to celebrate his life in the way he would like. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Ontario Sailing in support of Youth & Able Sailing Programs.
DEATH OF AN ONTARIO BOATING ICON
Featured Articles
NAUTISME QUEBEC CANCELS THE 2021 MONTREAL BOAT SHOW
Since mid-march, the Alliance de l’industrie nautique du Québec - Nautisme Québec has been devoting time and energy in order to present its main annual event, the Montreal Boat Show. However, with the organizational deadlines that such an event requires, the progress of COVID-19 in the last few weeks and the uncertainty of its outcome in the next winter period, Nautisme Québec finds that it is wiser to cancel the Montreal Boat Show, which was scheduled from February 4 to the 7, 2021.
“Many scenarios were on the table to make it happen and the recent success of the Montreal In-the-Water Boat Show was even more reason to be hopeful”, says Walter Timmerman, chair of the Alliance de l’industrie nautique du Québec...
Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.
Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you're looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.
Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.
Changing Scene
VOLVO PENTA HITS 30,000 IPS INSTALLATIONS
Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS) units deliver a unique user experience with up to 30% reduced fuel consumption and 30% less CO2 emissions compared to traditional inboard shafts. The company has now supplied 30,000 Volvo Penta IPS solutions across the marine sectors.
Environmental care has been a core value at Volvo Penta since 1972 and part of the company’s work continues to be achieving high energy efficiency and reduced emissions across its product range. Volvo Penta’s vision is to be the world leader in sustainable power solutions.
LUNASEA LIGHTING’S NEW WATER SAFETY DEVICE PROVIDES HIGHER LEVEL OF SAFETY FOR CHILDREN AND PETS
Lunasea Lighting has introduced an innovative new water safety device designed for child and pet safety. This complete safety system incorporates improved packaging other devices simply don’t offer, allowing for increased convenience and most importantly, greater peace of mind.
In addition to being the smallest multi-function distress light and signaling device on the market today, unlike competitive offerings, Lunasea’s waterproof device is easily rechargeable. It’s also designed to work independently, or in combination with a waterproof, rechargeable pocket-size alarm receiver that increases your ability to keep track of your loved ones at all times.
