TONY KEHRER

Condolences & Memories (6 entries)

• Tony was a special person, and will be missed. I was fortunate to play with the Winnipeg Rods with Tony, and remember an amazing athlete, talented and strong, who went on to win Grey Cups. I express my condolences to his family; Tony has passed, but memories remain. - Posted by: Dean Duggan (Friend) on: Dec 05, 2024

• For many years, my husband and I shared, with Tony and Iola, ice cold arenas and wet, muddy fields in support of our children’s sports. Always enthusiastic, they quickly got to know and encourage the members of the teams and their parents. As age catches up with us and we begin to “lose” our contemporaries, memories become all the more precious. To hear the name “Tony Kehrer”, brings memories of the times we spent together, of Tony’s ever-present smile and Iola’s loving care for everyone around her. Their children were so blessed to have these wonderful, supportive parents and we who knew them are lucky to have had their friendship. With my love and sympathy to you all, Jan Jones - and the “Other” Glyn, Catherine and David - Posted by: Jan Jones (Friend) on: Nov 05, 2024

• I knew Tony at Hugh John MCDonald and at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. He sure was a very good athlete and very difficult to tackle when he carried the ball. He was always very friendly and easy to like. As I was a new immigrant in a new land he was instrumental in my adjustment to the new environment. God bless him always in Heaven. - Posted by: Frank Fiorentino (Friend) on: Nov 03, 2024

• We are in Waikiki now and very sad to hear of Tony's passing. We fondly remember having dinner here with our two young daughters and Tony and Iola in a Chinese restaurant in the Hyatt Regency in 1986 which is where we are currently staying. We had really great evening together. Also we remember spending many evenings together over the years playing bridge and have some wonderful memories of those times. Our condolences to all of the family. Joan and Roger Brown - Posted by: Joan Brown (Friend) on: Nov 03, 2024

• Mr. Kehrer, Tony, was the dad of one of my best childhood friends, Glenn. The friendship has remained, despite our great distance apart. Growing up with our group of friends meant spending time at the Kehrer house and that meant time with Tony. Tony made you feel like a part of the family instantly. With a firm handshake and his iconic ear to ear smile, Tony always made everyone around him feel special and at home. He took a genuine interest in my endeavors as I shared many with Glenn. It was the never the obligatory “How are things,” rather “How’s it going, Michael?” It didn’t end there. Tony would delve into each answer with follow up questions. He really cared. A few times during my childhood, Tony was a referee for the football game I was playing. It was a unique experience, to say the least. The first time he reffing a game, I went up to him during warmups and said, “Hi Mr. Kehrer (It was one of the few times I called him Mr. Kehrer as all Glenn’s friends, including myself, called him “Tony”. Since it was a football game, and football was something he was known for, I wanted to show respect. Tony spun his head around and the patented smile I saw when he was talking to his referee colleagues was gone. Instead was a more serious tone. Not mean, just serious. “Number 70”, he said with a somewhat stern tone, “Have a good game”. Throughout the game I had several interactions with Tony and in each I stance it was Tony being helpful in only a Tony way. “Number 70”, get you hand underneath when you tackle like that” or “nice run number 70”. You don’t need to look at the guy who tackled you like that”. This went on for years. After a while I realized that despite Tony taking his football seriously, he also made it fun, both for him and for the players, especially the ones who knew him. While I have countless memories of Tony, that one sticks out the most. There were countless Saturday’s where we (our gang) would drop by the Kehrer house only to walk into the den to be greeted by Tony, seated in his chair. He knew all of our friends names and treated us all like family. To this day, when I fire up the grill with my family, I treat them to “Kehrer Burgers”, a not so twisted recipe from most but unique to the Kehrers. As I aged, I moved from Winnipeg to follow life’s endeavors but returned often to visit. Part of those visits were to see my friends but also to say hello to their parents. Tony & Iola were usually in that list. I would run into Tony over the years at Safeway or at the mall and whenever I did, it wasn’t the obligatory hello. I know I really enjoyed catching up and I really think he did too. Tony was a beautiful man, a fantastic dad who loved his kids and was so supportive and proud of all of them. I will miss you, Tony. You have a had a great impact on my life and gave me lessons in life that I still use today. I am both humbled and honored to have had you as a part of my life. Heartfelt condolences to the Kehrer family as they remember the wonderful life of Tony. - Posted by: Mike Butters (Friend and Friend of Tony’s son Glenn) on: Nov 02, 2024

• Worked with Tony on the football field and he truly was a fine gentleman in all respects. Sincerely Neil Payne. - Posted by: Neil payne (Fellow football official ) on: Nov 02, 2024