February 12, 1926 - September 11, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
It is with great sadness that the family of Siegfried Neumann announces his passing after a brief period of decline. He was 97.
Siegfried was predeceased by his wife Annegret, his parents Julius and Henriette, and stepmother Auguste Neumann, his sister Erika Wiens (George d.), his brothers Robert, Willi (Elsa d.), Rudolf, and Heinrich.
Siegfried is lovingly remembered by his children, Robert, Sue (Pam), and Reni Bontempo; his grandsons, Adam and Dana; and their father, Jim Bontempo; as well as by his nephew, nieces, and other family and friends in BC, Germany, and Argentina.
Siegfried was born and raised in Bremen, Germany. He apprenticed as an auto mechanic and then enlisted with the Luftwaffe at the age of 17. Within the year, he was captured by the Allies and taken as a POW to work camps in North Africa and later to France.
Soon after the war, he returned to Germany, where he met and married the love of his life, Annegret.
They moved to Prince Rupert, BC, in 1956, where he and Annegret made a happy life working and raising their children. Siegfried worked at McRae Motors, Bob Parker's, Nelson Bros Fisheries Boat Shop, and the Skeena Pulp Mill in Port Edward. He spent much of his spare time working on cars—his own, his family's, and friends'.
It was a hobby he much enjoyed... when it wasn't pouring rain. There wasn't a vehicle, boat engine, or heavy piece of equipment that he could not fix. His other favourite hobby was bowling. He and Annegret bowled in the Port Edward League for many years.
He was always a man of quiet faith, curious, well-read, and interested in the world. Most of all, he was a family man who was actively involved in all facets of his kids' lives. He also had many good friends over the years with whom he maintained close bonds, even after he and Annegret moved to Coquitlam, BC, in 1997 to be closer to their children and grandsons. As empty nesters, he and Annegret loved to travel to hot spots like Hawaii, Mexico, and Cuba.
A Memorial service for Siegfried was held on Saturday, September 30, in Port Coquitlam, BC.