Hartmut 'Hardy' 'Bappa' von Stackelberg

von STACKELBERG, Hartmut (Hardy) (Bappa)

Bappa set sail in peace on Wednesday July 29, 2020 at the age of 85, with his family present to support his journey. Hardy leaves behind his wife Cynthia Calef, sons Herb (Kathy) and Perry (Jackie), his grandchildren Erik (Katie) and Marina, great-granddaughter Rayna, and his canine companion in the kitchen, Maxie aka Bobo. Hardy is predeceased by his three siblings, and his first wife Marina (deceased 1978).

Hardy was born in Bad Godesberg, Germany on June 4, 1935. At the young age of 19, his sense of adventure took hold and he immigrated to Canada. After landing his first job pumping gas, he became a licensed mechanic and eventually worked his way up to become the service manager at Mid North Motors (North Bay). He then became the accounts manager of Cartwright Building Supplies where he worked for several years. In 1974, his tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase and operate his own business: He bought the North Bay Volkswagen dealership (E. McKenny Motors) and successfully operated Autohaus Stackelberg for 45 years in partnership with his son Herb.

Hardy’s favourite expression, “Life is good!” was heard often and by many. When he wasn’t engaging in energetic conversation with friends, family, or complete strangers, he was always busy: He loved sailing his boat Bappa’s Choice on the ocean off the coast of Florida and at home on Lake Nipissing. (The bigger the waves, the better!) Hardy also tinkered with countless cars over the years and had a passion for riding his motorcycle. He found something meaningful to fill every nook and cranny of his days.   

Hardy faced all his life’s challenges head on, with determination and resilience. He was tough as nails if he needed to be, but he was also a fun-loving, humorous, kind, and wise father, grandfather, and husband. As the “cool Bappa,” he always made his grandchildren (and even his 10-month-old great-granddaughter) laugh with his expressions and stories, and often used tales of his German heritage to impart wisdom and perspective. Hardy will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends and the staff at Autohaus Stackelberg.

Many thanks to the staff and physicians of the North Bay Regional Health Centre and Sudbury’s Health Sciences North, and the staff at Algonquin Pharmasave, for the excellent care they provided Hardy as he beat the odds and managed his cancer over many years. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charitable organization of your choice. A family celebration of Hardy’s life will be held at a later date.