June 15, 2015
In Memoriam Otto Müller
Otto Müller died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of May 14, 2015.
Born on the August 1, 1934, Müller began his life in Hungary, reeling from the events of the Second World War.
His first job in the horticultural industry was on the rose production farm owned by his father, Ferenc, and continued his employment until immigrating to Canada following the Hungarian Revolution in 1956.
A gifted plantsman, Müller soon found work in the blossoming horticultural industry in Ottawa and was soon humbled by the beautiful and charming Gabrielle Laderoute in a marriage that lasted 54 years. It was not long before their love bore their eldest daughter Elizabeth, followed by Katherine and their only son, John.
The family moved to Pickering, where Otto found work with Leslie L. Solty & Sons as a landscape construction supervisor. Müller’s pioneering spirit soon led to the opening of O.J. Müller Landscape Contractor in 1980, a business that continues in operation under the ownership of John with the assistance of his two sons in Claremont.
Colleagues remembered him as an honest and creative businessman, who demanded the very best of people by offering only his best in return. Müller reminded us that it is not we who take care of the plants, but the plants that take care of us.
The Otto Müller Memorial Landscape Scholarship Fund has been established, courtesy of the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation.
A visitation and memorial service was held on May 22.
Born on the August 1, 1934, Müller began his life in Hungary, reeling from the events of the Second World War.
His first job in the horticultural industry was on the rose production farm owned by his father, Ferenc, and continued his employment until immigrating to Canada following the Hungarian Revolution in 1956.
A gifted plantsman, Müller soon found work in the blossoming horticultural industry in Ottawa and was soon humbled by the beautiful and charming Gabrielle Laderoute in a marriage that lasted 54 years. It was not long before their love bore their eldest daughter Elizabeth, followed by Katherine and their only son, John.
The family moved to Pickering, where Otto found work with Leslie L. Solty & Sons as a landscape construction supervisor. Müller’s pioneering spirit soon led to the opening of O.J. Müller Landscape Contractor in 1980, a business that continues in operation under the ownership of John with the assistance of his two sons in Claremont.
Colleagues remembered him as an honest and creative businessman, who demanded the very best of people by offering only his best in return. Müller reminded us that it is not we who take care of the plants, but the plants that take care of us.
The Otto Müller Memorial Landscape Scholarship Fund has been established, courtesy of the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation.
A visitation and memorial service was held on May 22.