Werner Furrer Sr
Werner Furrer Sr, 93, peacefully passed away on June 28th. Born in Zurich, Switzerland in 1927, he came to the United States via Canada when he and his future wife Martha eloped. He and Martha travelled around the United States, having children along the way, and finally settled in the Pacific Northwest first in Hoquiam and then in Everett.
Werner was a strong, kind, loving and supportive father. His knowledge and guidance were the foundation of his family. He was an outdoor enthusiast and introduced his family to a lifelong love of Mother Nature and his true passion of kayaking. Kayaking truly runs in the blood of his family and his legacy will live on through Werner Paddles.
He paddled the last time 2 days before this year’s Father’s Day where the family gathered around him.
A story of Werner Sr. was published in winter of 2007 in Kayak Session Magazine. We link it here as a remembrance.
THE WERNER STORY
More memories will be shared in the coming weeks through Werner Paddles.
12 comments
Working as a flight attendant some 10 years ago I had a gentleman on my flight wearing a ball hat with “Werner” written on it.
I said to him, “I own one of those paddles…a real nice fiberglass one.”
The gentleman responded with a big smile, “that’s me…I am Werner!”
How cool was that. A fond memory from my flight attending days.
condolences to the family
I met Werner Senior when he was leader of a USCG/ACA prototype whitewater instructor program in the 1970’s. His enthusiasm and interests went beyond paddling – he and his wife Marta welcomed us into their family of friends. I have fond memories of the times we had together from dinners to their New year’s parties to paddling on the Sound is a Sea Canoe (C-2) he designed. Through Werner and Marta I met their children and enjoyed paddling with them. Werner made the world a better place for so many.
A true gentleman whose passion for excellence was contagious. He leaves an incredible legacy!
The world was so blessed to have you. Thank you for sharing your passion with so many! I am honored to own a Werner.