OTTO JOHN MÜLLER

OTTO JOHN MÜLLER August 1, 1934 - May 14, 2015 

We are saddened by the news of former Whitevale Golf Club member Otto Muller has passed away this week. Otto will always be a part of Whitevale as many of the healthy trees you see on our course have been planted by Otto. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gabby and the rest of the family during this difficult time. A true gentleman in every sense, he will be greatly missed.


Full obituary below:

To plant a Tree is an act of faith in the earth An act of hope for the future An act of humanity towards coming generations who will enjoy its fruits after we shall be gone. L. Merrier Born on the first of August, 1934, Otto John Müller began his life in a tumultuous Western Europe reeling from the events of the Second World War. Son of Ferenc and Erzsébet, brother to György and Erzsébet, Otto emigrated from Hungary during the Revolution of 1956 in an attempt to carve out a better future in Canada. A gifted plantsman, Otto soon found work in the blossoming horticultural industry in Ottawa and was soon humbled by the beautiful and charming Gabrielle Laderoute; beginning a marriage that would last 54 years. It was not long before their love bore their eldest daughter Elizabeth, followed by Katherine and their son, John. The family moved to Pickering, where Otto found work with Leslie L. Solty & Sons Limited as a Landscape Construction Supervisor. Otto's pioneering spirit soon led to the opening of O.J. Müller Landscape Contractor Ltd. in 1980, a business which continues in operation under the ownership of John with the assistance of his two sons. Otto's tenaciousness and unbreakable work ethic are passed on to his grandchildren: Zachary, Madelaine and Isabelle of Elizabeth and Michael Snowden; Brian and Jeffrey of Katherine and Jim McGilton; and Christopher and Matthew of Karen (nee Larin) and John.

He is remembered by his colleagues as an honest and creative businessman who demanded the very best of people by offering only his best in return. A grower of men and other tender things, Otto reminds us that it is not we who take care of the plants, but the plants that take care of us. He died peacefully, in his sleep, on the morning of May 14, 2015. In an act of humanity towards coming generations, donations are welcome to both the promotion of the landscape industry and the further improvement of geriatric care.

Donations may be made to the Otto Müller Memorial Landscape Scholarship Fund, courtesy of the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation, 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8. Donations can be made in memory of Otto Müller to enhance geriatric care through the Research Program Fund at the Toronto Rehab Foundation, 550 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2A2. Online condolences can be left at www.mountpleasantgroup.com A visitation will be held on May 21st at The Simple Alternative, 1057 Brock Road, Pickering, from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. A memorial service will be held on May 22nd at 11 a.m. at The Simple Alternative.