A Life of Service and Dedication to Canada
Remembering Barthel Fuerwentges
For Barthel “Bart” Fuerwentges, a life well lived was one dedicated to service, building community and time spent outdoors. He loved his adopted country of Canada deeply, and was stationed around the country through his career in the military.
Bart passed away in 2025, and his love for Canada – and deep appreciation for its natural environment – is now part of his legacy through a generous gift from his estate to Trans Canada Trail.
An accomplished military career
Bart was born in Germany in 1940. Not much is known about his early years; he was adopted as an infant and in 1955, at the age of 15, Bart immigrated to Canada with his adoptive parents.
At 17, Bart joined the Canadian Army through its Apprentice Program, which enabled young men to complete their high school education while beginning military service. He joined the Artillery in 1957 before eventually finding his true passion in the Physical Training Branch. Over Bart’s career, he served with the Navy, Army and Airforce. He served at 22 locations, both internationally and across Canada.
Bart’s good friend Edward Fitch recalls how he joined the Canadian Armed Forces about a decade after Bart, and the two first met in 1973. Their careers would bring them together at several junctures over the years, and they built an enduring friendship along the way.
Bart and Ed first crossed paths while stationed in an isolated military community in northern Quebec, home to approximately 500 military personnel and family members. Bart was the heart of the community; he kept morale high, brought people together and created a strong sense of belonging for all.
Over the years, Bart and Ed would be posted together in Germany and Ottawa. Years later, they found themselves living near one another in Victoria, British Columbia, where they were neighbours for approximately 20 years.
A deep love for community and the outdoors
An accomplished athlete, Bart represented Canada internationally in volleyball through the Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM), an international military sporting organization dedicated to building friendship through sport.
He was also a passionate runner, and his enthusiasm proved contagious: inspired by Bart’s example, Ed and his wife became avid runners themselves.
When the two friends were stationed in Germany, they participated in Volksmarches — organized walks, usually 5 or 10 kilometres long, that brought people together through physical activity. The events would typically end with food, beer and a commemorative medal for each participant.
A generous supporter of causes dear to his heart
Bart lived modestly throughout much of his life, always residing in military quarters and eating in military mess halls. To Ed, this reflects both Bart’s approach to leadership, living alongside the young soldiers he worked with, and his preference for saving rather than spending on himself.
Although he lived a modest lifestyle, he was a generous supporter to others. He devoted his time and resources to helping and caring for family and neighbours.
A gift to the iconic Trail in the country he loved
Through his legacy gift to Trans Canada Trail, Bart’s generosity will help support Trans Canada Trail’s Infrastructure and Adaptation Fund, contributing to a stronger Trail and helping ensure people can continue to safely access nature for years to come.
This legacy gift brings together Bart’s love for Canada, his commitment to physical activity, and his belief in community.
Trans Canada Trail is deeply grateful to the late Barthel Fuerwentges and his estate for this extraordinary legacy gift.
To learn more about supporting Trans Canada Trail through your estate plans, please contact Danielle Felip (Manager, Development), at dfelip@tctrail.ca or 1-800-465-3636 ext. 4372, or visit https://tctrail.ca/leave-a-gift-in-your-will/ for more information.
