Detlev “Mike” Kussner

Detlev “Mike” Claus Ernst Kussner

It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of Detlev “Mike” Claus Ernst Kussner at his home in Clarksburg ON on Saturday, October 25, 2025 in his 81^st year.

Beloved husband and partner- in-life of Kristina Wichman for over 58 years; brother of the late Dietrich ( the late Christine), Erhard (Irene), and Hartmut (Shirley) Kussner; brother-in-law of Monika (Tony), Rolf (Elizabeth), and Bert (Trudy) Wichman. His nieces and nephews Debbie (Wayne) Hotham, Denise (Agrim) Jajal, Bryan (Rebecca) Kussner, Amanda (Blair) Sorenson, Anna (Emmanuel) Minten and Rachel (Jon) Wichman, Christian (Nataly) Wichman, and Eric (Caitlin) Wichman. In addition, there are the great nieces and nephews – Jordan, Avery, Clara, Odin, Ellie, Stellan, William, Derrick, Leslie, Hannah, Jacob and great great-nephew Jones.

Mike’s love of teaching carried on beyond his 31 years of teaching at Toronto’s Monarch Park and Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute high schools. He started his Physics, Science, and Mathematics teaching career at Monarch Park Collegiate in September 1969. He ended his teaching career at Danforth Collegiate where he enjoyed teaching of gifted math students immensely.  He was an admired teacher from the beginning loved by the staff and students and led to some students becoming teachers themselves (Tom Evagelou). In the 1970’s he coached many successful basketball teams. Mike was an avid athlete himself. He played hockey, basketball, and soccer at a high level. His years at the Balmy Beach Club squash courts included many legendary games against Tom Otis, Alec Parley, Todd Reynolds, and Bobbie Dann. His teaching days lead to a number of enduring friendships.

Mike was an avid cyclist and spent the summer of 1974 cycling in Europe with Todd Reynolds. He loved cross country skiing for many years, often with his dog Baggins running between his legs. Later he changed to downhill skiing every week day morning and became known as the “green machine” which was the colour of his ski outfit.

He enjoyed his live music nights in Toronto usually with Dave Ross. No one enjoyed the performances of Wayne Cochrane and the CC Riders like Mike. Dave Hodge and the Hockey Night in Canada crew who were in the audience told him that “you made this night wonderful…” and he did. His enthusiasm was contagious.

Mike was a great student of science, astronomy, building skills, and anything requiring analysis. He shared his passion for puzzles with his nephews, nieces and other family friends’ children who were blessed with his constant challenges.

Retirement revolved around the hobby farm and he and Kristina were great hosts for the many family and friends’ gatherings there.  His many nieces and nephews also vacationed there and were treated to activities such as mushroom hunts, gator or Datsun bush rides, scavenger hunts, detective theatre, croquet, horseshoes, long walks, playing cards and board games following house rules and interacting with many farm animals.  He enjoyed German and Swedish traditions at home, his and Kris’ heritages. New practices such as taking the children shopping for candy and dipping in his coin bucket made great memories. His enthusiasm for board games is fondly remembered. He loved to cook for his family creating many memorable meals. He always had the time to share what he knew and truly cared about his family. He loved living at the farm and made fast friends with many of his country neighbours (Ernie Bristow, Dennis Ouellette, Ron Cundy, Bob Prywata).

His enthusiasm for life, sharing fun activities such as treating guests to rides down the country roads in his flashy, red sports car, teaching math skills, his life-long romance with Kristina, his devotion to family and friends made great memories for us. He will be missed by all of us.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nature Conservancy of Canada or Georgian Bay Humane Society.

Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories, and photographs may be shared at www.amgfh.com