Obituary of Arthur Paul Daust

Arthur Paul Daust, “Art” to his friends, passed away peacefully after a short stay at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre on April 6, 2026 at the age of 98.

Arthur is survived by his wife Waltraut, married for 73 years, his children Raymond and Angela, his grandson Paul, and his sister Ursula, the last of four siblings.

Arthur was born in East Prussia, which was then part of Germany.  After the war, he relocated to south-western Germany where he met the love of his life Waltraut, “Walli”.  They immigrated to Canada in 1953 where they married and had two children, both born on May 1^st, European Labour Day, exactly three years apart.  Whenever anyone asked about that, he simply replied: “German precision”. 

Arthur was a skilled tool and die maker and machinist.  He had several jobs throughout his career but most notably made parts for the Avro Arrow in the late ‘50’s, experimental parts for snowmobiles and chain saws at Outboard Marine in Peterborough, and after that while working for GE in Peterborough, precision parts for the Darlington Nuclear plant.  He also taught himself carpentry, plumbing, electrical wiring, and masonry while working on three houses.  The last house was his favourite, on upper Chemong lake, where he lived for 48 years until a few days before his passing.  He called it his paradise.  Arthur was a hard worker who could do anything he set his mind to, trying his best to succeed in everything he did.

Arthur was also a good husband and father who cared deeply for his family.  He and his wife loved and respected each other until the end. He enjoyed the outdoors and looked forward to family camping trips every summer to scenic destinations across North America.  He had a keen interest in gems and minerals and enjoyed prospecting as a hobby, teaching his children about geology while pointing out rock formations on hikes through the woods.  He was an artist, philosopher, explorer, and inventor, but most of all he was a good man with a heart of gold.  He will be missed. 

A private funeral will be held at the Hendren Funeral Home, Lakefield Chapel.  In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada in Arthur’s name would be appreciated.

Friends may send condolences or make donations by contacting THE HENDREN FUNERAL HOMES, LAKEFIELD CHAPEL, 66 Queen Street, Lakefield, at www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705-652-3355.

"What you possess deep in your heart, you cannot lose through death"

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe