Jens Peter Bogart, born in Lüneburg, Germany, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on November 4th, 2024, due to age-related illnesses.
He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Kelly Bogart (Thomas), granddaughters Hanna and Marlowe Kelly, his brothers Dirk and Henning Borchert (Nuncia), his American wife Margaret Hitchcock, and his first wife, Karla Schierfeld. He was predeceased by his twin brothers, Knut and Christian.
Jens Peter grew up in Lower Saxony during the tumultuous World War II era, witnessing firsthand the harrowing effects of war. At age eleven, he experienced the devastation of air raids and worked to clear the rubble after a deadly attack in his town and often saw red skies at night when nearby Hamburg was bombed.
In his 20s, Peter emigrated to Toronto, Canada, where he began a new chapter of his life. One of his first jobs was at the Mississaugua Golf and Country Club, where he worked with Karla. They married in 1960. His career at Air Canada at Lester Pearson Airport was a testament to his outgoing and social personality. As editor of the airline’s newsletter, his humorous cartoons delighted many. He was also known for organizing unforgettable carnival group trips to Düsseldorf.
Peter proudly served as Captain and Army Cadet Instructor at the Royal Canadian Military Institute for five years, a role that brought him immense pride and fulfillment.
Later, while on a holiday in Barbados, he met Margaret, who became his second wife. Following early retirement, he moved to New York to join her, enjoying the tranquility of their wooded neighborhood and gardening.
Peter’s love of dancing and socializing stemmed from his grandparents, who owned a renowned dance hall with a ballroom, restaurant, and bowling alley. Friends and family often described him as a charming and fun gentleman with a knack for storytelling and a warm sense of humour and as someone who had a colourful life.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held in his honor at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Trillium Health Partners Foundation.