Preben Krohn

Obituary for Preben Krohn

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Preben Krohn. Preben passed away on

March 10 2024 at the age of 100. Preben was pre-deceased by his wife Henny in 2020. He leaves

behind his two daughters Hanne (David), Karen (Brian). He was the adored and greatly loved “Morfar”

to five grandchildren – Joel (Samantha), Lesley, Carolyn (Bayley), Sarah (Valeria) and Matthew (Josh).

Special Uncle to nieces and nephews in Canada, America and Denmark.

Preben was a witness to a century of history. He knew the very best in life and the very worst in life.

But his enduring strength and stoicism served him well during his lifetime.

Preben was born in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1924, the fifth child to Ellen and Povl Krohn. He grew up in

Copenhagen with his four brothers and one sister. Preben ventured out into the world at the age of 16

following the tragic death of his mother. For a few years after he worked in various jobs in farming on

the mainland in Denmark. He also served in the Danish merchant navy during the second world war and

was present on a Danish ship during the fire bombings in Hamburg. Along with his brothers Walther, Per

and Hans he was a participant in the Danish resistance during the war. Like his countrymen he also

endured the hardships of the German occupation of Denmark during the war period.

Post war Preben was back in Copenhagen working at the Kobenhavn’s Garn og Net Fabrik med N.P.

Utzon, where they manufactured fishing nets. It was there that he met the love of his life Henny. They

married in May 1956 and set sail for Canada in July of that year. They settled in Toronto, where they

resided and raised their two daughters.

In Canada Preben worked at Associated Tube Industries (now The Samuel’s Group) and spent his 30 year

career there in various positions – including a two year tenure at a satellite plant in New Jersery. He

retired in 1986. He was always so proud of his achievements during his career and kept up with industry

news and people he had worked with at Samuels.

He had varied interests and talents: carpentry and fine cabinet making, travel, being able to repair just

about anything he put his hands on, mechanics, swimming, cottage life, a Danish smorgasbord lunch

with Akvavit to name a few. He was always there to listen and provide encouragement and advice to

friends and family.

Upon retirement Preben and Henny became snowbirds and enjoyed eighteen wonderful winters in their

home in Palmetto, Florida; where they were often visited by friends and family. During the warmer

months they would spend at the cottage on Crystal Lake in the Kawarthas. Later years were spent on

Oak Street in Ajax and most recently residing in the town of Frankford.

Preben lived his life with dignity and grace. He was always a family man, and at the centre of family –

our centenarian. He embraced all aspects of life – whether in good times or bad as a son, husband,

father, grandfather, uncle, brother, brother-in-law and friend.

He lived life to the full right up until the very last, and we his family and friends who are left behind will

remember his warmth, generosity and legacy. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends here in

Canada, America and Denmark.

Ever proud of his Danish roots, and at his request, a private family graveside service is planned at the

Danish cemetery at Sunset Villa Mindepark in Puslinch, Ontario. In lieu of flowers the family is

requesting donation to the Canadian Lung Association in Preben’s memory.

https://www.lung.ca/donate