Klaus Karl Feikes passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the evening of June 12, 2026, at Amica Georgetown Memory Care facility.
Klaus was born on November 8, 1941, in Viersen, Germany at a time of great instability during the Second World War. Though he lost his father shortly after the war, Klaus was deeply loved by his mother, Hilde, and his siblings, Werner and Gabriela. The challenges of his childhood helped shape a resilience and determination that would guide him throughout his life.
From an early age, Klaus dreamed of becoming a sea captain. Though his slight build kept him from being accepted, his love of the water never left him. Determined to overcome the obstacle, he worked on a farm to build his strength. In 1960, however, his path took a different turn when he enrolled in commercial college. Years later, he fulfilled part of his childhood dream by becoming the proud owner and ‘captain’ of a 35-foot trawler, a role he embraced with great pride and panache.
Commercial college would prove to be a defining chapter in Klaus's life. There, at the age of 18, he met the love of his life, Roswitha (Rose) Heussen. Their enduring love story would span more than six decades.
After completing commercial college, Klaus spent two years working as an apprentice in a manufacturing company before fulfilling his mandatory service in the German military. Klaus and Rose were married on June 21, 1964. Ever adventurous, the young couple chose to spend their honeymoon sailing to Canada aboard a freighter, carrying little more than a knapsack and a guitar.
When they arrived in Montreal, they kept enough money set aside for a return trip to Germany. Yet their curious nature and desire to see more of Canada led them to take on whatever work came their way—even the occasional unusual job, such as picking worms on a golf course at night. One job led to another, and before they knew it, the country they had come to explore had become the place they would call home.
Klaus’ ambition, work ethic, and natural gift for connecting with people led him into a successful sales career. Starting with a German radio manufacturer, he eventually joined B.A.S.F., the world’s largest chemical company. With his trademark honesty, charm, and straightforward manner, he quickly earned the trust and respect of colleagues and customers alike.
As their family grew, the uncertainty surrounding Montreal during the FLQ crisis prompted Klaus and Rose to make the move to Brampton, Ontario, in 1972 where they would continue building their future together. Recognizing his talent and potential, a Danish company approached him with an opportunity to represent them independently rather than continue working with B.A.S.F. Klaus decided to strike out on his own. Together, Klaus and Rose took a leap of faith and founded their own business, Industrial Colours & Chemicals (ICC), in the basement of their family home.
As the company grew, so did its staff, facilities, and reputation. What began as a small basement operation expanded into rented warehouse space and eventually into a dedicated office, warehouse, and additional facilities in Mississauga. Building ICC became Klaus’ life's passion. More than creating a successful business, he took pride in building a workplace that felt like family.
Klaus was known for recognizing potential in others, mentoring employees, and providing opportunities for growth and success. He believed in people and invested in them wholeheartedly. To those who worked alongside him, there was simply no better boss than Klaus.
Klaus’ greatest joy was being a father and grandfather. Caring for his family and ensuring their well-being and future meant everything to him. He was immensely proud of his daughters and grandchildren, and his love, support, and guidance were constants throughout their lives. He was equally known for his gregarious nature, sense of humour, and love of life. He had a sharp wit and was always able to liven up any room. Together, he and Rose built a strong and enduring community of friends in Brampton, many of whom became like family over the years.
Klaus - alongside Rose - never lost their adventurous spirit. In their later years, they travelled extensively, exploring remarkable places around the world, including Ethiopia, Vietnam, New Zealand, China, India, and many more. These journeys reflected their shared curiosity, love of learning, and appreciation for the people and cultures they encountered along the way.
If there was one way to describe Klaus, it was that he led with his heart. He was always looking for ways to help others—whether it was a stranger on the street, an employee, a friend, or a family member. If you needed something, Klaus “the Fixer” was never far away and always ready to lend a hand.
Klaus was predeceased by his parents, Ernst and Hilde Feikes, and his siblings, Werner and Gabriela. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Rose; his daughters, Jennifer Feikes (Julian) and Stephanie Fast (James); his cherished grandchildren, Diego and Gabi; and his niece, Anja.
His family is deeply grateful to all those who supported Klaus throughout his journey with dementia. A special thank you is extended to the teams at Peel Manor Seniors Wellness Clinic and Amica Georgetown for their compassionate care and kindness.
A memorial service will be held at Meadowvale Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Centre, 7732 Mavis Road, Brampton, on June 28th, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Klaus' memory may be made to:
CLEAR (Canadians for Leading Edge Alzheimer Research) - https://clearalzheimers.ca/who-we-are-clear/ OR The Alzheimer Society of Peel - https://www.alzpeel.com/en/home.html