Klaus Dietrich Albert Bindhardt

Died April 2, 2010, in Newmarket, Ontario after a brief battle with cancer. He is survived by his daughter Christy (Garland) and step-children John (Raphaela) and Louise Dunlap, grandchildren Peter and Katey, Oliver, Lexie and Philip. Klaus was predeceased by his wife Margo and is survived by his former wife Lynn.

Born December 28, 1925 in Berlin, Germany, Klaus served in WWII as a fighter pilot and afterwards graduated in architecture. He immigrated to Canada in 1952 and began building a life based on hard work and contributing to the betterment of his chosen country. Made a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada in 1978, Klaus leaves a legacy of public buildings and civic planning culminating in his appointment to the Ontario Municipal Board.

Klaus was also leader in both the worlds of tennis and the arts.

Starting as a director of the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club, and co-chair of the Canadian Open Tennis Championships his efforts rebuilt the “Canadian Open”. He played a leading role in establishing and building the National Tennis Centre at York University. He served as both director and president for the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club, Ontario Tennis Association, Canadian Tennis Association and was a director on the Canadian Olympic Association, International Tennis Federation and Sports Ontario and Chairman of the Board of the Ontario Sports Administrative Centre. In 1996, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of Canadian Tennis.

Klaus served on numerous Boards of Directors and supported a wide range of arts organizations including the Stratford Festival, Florida State University School of Music, and the Canadian Opera Company to name just a few.

Always in pursuit of a goal, Klaus used his retirement to enjoy sailing, golf, good friends, travel, fine scotch and writing. He was appointed as Special Assistant to the President of Florida State University advising on architectural and aesthetic matters, lectured at the Academy of FSU and completed his Ph.D. dissertation in history. He published it as “Europe's Folly” in 2005.

His love of good music, fine art, craftsmanship and the excellence of effort made him a wonderful mentor, companion, and colleague. A celebration of his life will be held at 6pm, Thursday April 8, 2010 at the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club, 44 Price Street, Toronto. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tennis Canada (Youth Tennis) or to the charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be made at www.roadhouseandrose.com

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