Obituary of Armin Hachmer
An Adventurer in Every Sense
Describing Armin in one word is difficult but if we had to choose one, it would be adventurer. It wasn't just about where he went but how he chose to see the world - with a relentless curiosity and a spirit that never stayed still.
Born in Boppard, Germany in 1938, Armin’s life adventures took many forms. Sometimes they were physical, like the time he built an ocean-faring sailboat and navigated it solo from Toronto to the Bahamas and back or the time he took his RV to the infamous Slab City. Other times his adventures were intellectual. A devoted listener of CBC’s Quirks and Quarks Armin was a man of deep thought who feasted on new ideas in science, philosophy, and history. You could always count on him to pepper a conversation with an obscure, thought-provoking fact at exactly the right moment.
His greatest adventure, however, began at eighteen. Leaving Germany for Canada with nothing but a few dollars and even fewer English phrases he built a full, vibrant life from the ground up, eventually finding a second home and a community of friends in Florida during his retirement. Armin hadn't "done it all," but he certainly did more than most.
A true extrovert, Armin believed people were the most important part of life. He had a rare gift for turning strangers into friends across every chapter of his journey. He was especially fortunate to find deep love and companionship later in life with his partner - and "partner in crime" - Eleanor Brown. Over their twenty years together, they shared hobbies, homes and a devoted support for one another. Up until the last few months they remained side-by-side in their Ottawa apartment, a constant source of encouragement and care for one another.
Music was the heartbeat of Armin’s life. Whether he was singing in a barbershop quartet, reaching for one of his many harmonicas, or playing in brass bands from Muskoka to Florida, he was at his happiest when he was making noise. He was incredibly proud of founding the "Gator Band" in Florida and the “Beaver Dam Band” in Muskoka, not just for the music and to encourage those around him, but also for the chance to prove his lifelong mantra: it is never too late to find a new passion.
Armin leaves behind a proud legacy in his two sons, Mark (Linda) and Eric (Tammy), and his five grandchildren - Sarah, Emily (Chris), Nicholas, Dylan (Mackenna), and Katherine - who will all carry a piece of his adventurous spirit with them.
Armin was also fortunate enough to be part of a ‘second family’ - He took great joy in spending time with Eleanor’s children, partners, and grandchildren, and had many fond memories of Sunday dinners with Christine and Ferdinand at their lakeside home in Val des Monts, Quebec.
Armin passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 8th, 2026, at the Rockcliffe Retirement Residence in Ottawa. He was surrounded by his sons during his final days following a short but courageous battle with cancer - a challenge that took his life, but never managed to dim his spirit. Armin’s family is so grateful to the entire team at Rockcliffe for the great care and support he received when he lived there. If Armin were here, we know he would refer to many of them as friends not just staff.
The family will celebrate Armin’s life and legacy in a private ceremony in the coming months. In lieu of flowers or formal gestures, Armin’s final wish was simple: take a moment to listen to a piece of music you love and think of him. Arrangements are in the care of Blair & Son Funeral Home, Perth.
