Bolton — Gerhard Erich Paul Krolow, 81, died on Saturday, July 9, 2016, following a brief illness with cancer, at home with his loving family surrounding him. He leaves behind his wife and love of his life, Catalina; his sons, Edmundo (Colleen), Gerhard (Stacey) and Klaus (Adam); three beautiful grandchildren, Isabella, Samuel and Julian; and many close friends.
Born and raised in Berlin, Germany, the son of Erich and Gertrud Krolow, Gerhard studied and honed his craft as a master electrician. He went to Mexico for a vacation, and met Catalina. In two whirlwind months the happy couple was engaged. Two years later they immigrated to Ontario with Edmundo, and shortly after welcomed Gerhard Jr. and Klaus into the family home in Scarborough.
It was a visit from his father-in-law, Alfredo Cortez, an accomplished Olympic athlete, which sparked the running bug in Gerhard. He truly loved running and the high it gave him. One of his proudest moments came when his son Gerhard Jr. joined him in the Cerro Chirripo race in Costa Rica. Gerhard would compete in the Cerro Chirripo race 19 times.
It wasn’t just the running that he enjoyed; Gerhard also treasured the camaraderie he shared with fellow runners. Four decades of running earned him numerous prestigious awards and brought him enduring friendships. The Masters running community has lost a true ambassador.
The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) Thursday, July 14 from 3 o’clock until time of memorial service in the chapel at 4 o’clock.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Scott Belford
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your father Ed, he raised a wonderful son. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Joe and Katy Below
Our thoughts are with you Kathy and all of your family. It is wonderful to know Gerhard made it back home one last time. So glad you are surrounded by family to help you through this.
With love, Joe and Katy
Gila and Graham Hanna
Dear Krolow family,
We knew Gerhard only for a short time, as recent members of the Metro Toronto Fitness Club, but came to enjoy his company greatly on our walks and runs. Please accept our condolences.
Gila and Graham Hanna
Charles & Jackie
Dear Catalina – In this time of sadness, our thoughts and sorrow are with you and your loved ones. We will remember Gerhard for his friendship, sharing of his knowledge and love of sports, and the countless times he joined the the MTFC on our Sunday morning runs.
herbert langstein
Kathy, our thoughts are with you and your Family. May God bless you all.
With much love,
Rita & Herbert
Ryan
Very sorry to hear about Gerhard’s passing.
His athleticism inspired me and many others.
Sincere condolences to Catalina and family.
Dr. Ryan French
Rudi & Annie Liedl
We are so sorry to hear of this sad news Kathy, and we are thinking of you and all the family …
Much Love
Rudi & Annie
Tamara Sylvan
Edmundo and Colleen
The B shift at station 345 send our thoughts to your entire family at this sad time. We know how much Gerhard was loved as we have heard many wonderful tales of his life adventures! Please accept our deepest condolences.
From your Brothers and Sisters at Station 345
Alexandra Weber
Dear Carhy, my long time and beloved friend and your children, together with my family we send you our deepest Condolences on the loss of your beloved Gehard . He is now resting forever. May God grant you the strength to go . You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Alexandra,, Marcus and Claudia Weber.
Diane Sawyer
Dearest Kathy:
My heart and love go to you and the boys at this sad time. Gerhard truly showed us how to live life to the fullest, God be with you and give you the strength you need through the next few days and after.
Raquel Kruger
Sorry for your loss Tante Cathy, Eddie, Gerhard, Klaus, Colleen, and Steacy. We have been thinking of all of you. Lots of love
Raquel, Henry and Ocean.
Jenny Moss
Dear Kathy,
From San Gerardo de Rivas, Costa Rica – many of us here are saddened to hear of your loss, and the loss to the running community of such a Master. Gerhard truly inspired many and laid the trail for other Veterans to continue running and living a healthy life. He will be very missed in future Carrera Chirripo editions, and as a beloved neighbor.
Lots of love, Jenny y Pedro y la comunidad San Gerardo de Rivas.
Wolfgang Paul Kruger
Dear Krolows . For the 53 odd year I have known Gerhard something that was hardly mentioned, was the mental giant he was and his talent for hiding that fact. He was head and shoulders above any one I have ever known. I concluded that when we all played chess in our 20 and 30. he would play 4 or 5 people at a time with out seeing the board he would just have a mental picture of every board and would just call the moves for every player. I did not think that this was humanly possible at the time. No one could ever beat him at the chess club either in a serious game even though he would some time let you win just to make you fell not quite so stupid. We all knew he was an excellent runner but he was also ein Gutter Mensch.
Connie Critchley
Dear Kathy,
I never knew Gerhard but heard lots of wonderful stories; memories can’t be taken away, they become treasures. My thoughts are with you and your family. You are a Special friend.
Love
Connie
Ernie Bisante & Family /Cobblestone Landscaping &Construction Inc.
I am extremely saddened to have just found out of Gerhards passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great sorrow.