Obituary for Nicholai von zur Mühlen
Nicholai von zur Mühlen
1927-2023
Nicholai (Nick, aka Ulfi) left this earthly realm to enter a much higher divine one, the morning of March 2, 2023.He wanted to live long enough to reach 100 years old, but his soul perhaps decided that departing in his 96th year of life was remarkable enough. It’s almost impossible to capture the true essence of such an intelligent and dynamic individual like Nick in a few paragraphs.
Being of aristocratic birth, Nick carried himself like a true regal gentleman and appreciated spirited conversation, fine wine, and loyal friendships. He was a generous, responsible, spiritual and compassionate family man, always ensuring his wife Bila and their three girls were looked after.
To know Nick was to love him, and he fascinated others with his vibrant charismatic presence. He lived life with zest, was a seeker of knowledge, and excelled as an intellectual conversationalist, especially in topics pertaining to world politics or history. With a life-long passion for aviation, he pursued a pilot’s license and enjoyed flying his Cessna airplane. His next adventure entailed building a beautiful Mitchell Wing ultra-light aircraft…as Bila remarked, “Ulfi kann alles!” That translates to "Nick can do everything!"
Besides holding a deep appreciation for classical music, his other hobbies included wine-making (and a wine cellar),bee-keeping, UFO documentaries, and various John Deere vintage hobby tractors for his Pembroke acreage.
Raised in Austria as a small child, Nick learned the dialect quickly and easily felt at home. Throughout his life, he spoke with fondness of Austrian people, the fruit trees, the exquisite tortes, and the better climate. Later in life, in Canada, he was always indisbelief at the harshness of Canadian winters.And of course, baked bread was better in Austria too. Finding a loaf of store-bought bread to suit his approval was a humorous but challenging endeavour.
The year 1948 brought Nick to Canada, where he eventually met and married his beautiful wife Bila in 1951.With determination and as new immigrants, they built a happy life for themselves in Pembroke, Ontario, providing a magical childhood for their three girls. It was a childhood offering a lush country setting, home to various lovely horses and beloved dogs. There were airplane rides, horse shows, fun social gatherings, and memorable summer outings to a large farm in Eganville, owned by Nick’s parents.
After Bila’s passing in 2012, Nick’s youngest daughter Gloria, left Alberta and moved back to Pembroke to live with her father. It was a close-knit reciprocal relationship where she looked after him and he looked after her…. a special father-daughter bond creating countless treasured memories.
Even in old age Nick was climbing ladders, working on his tractors, and using a chainsaw to cut firewood for the upcoming winter. However, in February 2023 he began to feel unwell and was eventually hospitalized in Pembroke. After two weeks, he was discharged and sent home to be under the constant care of his daughter. Sadly, his illness progressed rapidly. Sister Mary Buckley was at his bedside during the last minutes of his life. She read beautiful uplifting blessings to him and her gracious spiritual presence was deeply appreciated by all who loved Nick.
Nick left an imprint on the soul of so many people and will be forever loved and missed by his daughter Gloria, his favourite grandson Tristan, Aunt Maggie, his nieces and nephews, long-time neighbours, and friends throughout Canada and Europe.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to or becoming aware of Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario services and resources.
Arrangements entrusted to the Murphy Funeral Home, Pembroke
1927-2023
Nicholai (Nick, aka Ulfi) left this earthly realm to enter a much higher divine one, the morning of March 2, 2023.He wanted to live long enough to reach 100 years old, but his soul perhaps decided that departing in his 96th year of life was remarkable enough. It’s almost impossible to capture the true essence of such an intelligent and dynamic individual like Nick in a few paragraphs.
Being of aristocratic birth, Nick carried himself like a true regal gentleman and appreciated spirited conversation, fine wine, and loyal friendships. He was a generous, responsible, spiritual and compassionate family man, always ensuring his wife Bila and their three girls were looked after.
To know Nick was to love him, and he fascinated others with his vibrant charismatic presence. He lived life with zest, was a seeker of knowledge, and excelled as an intellectual conversationalist, especially in topics pertaining to world politics or history. With a life-long passion for aviation, he pursued a pilot’s license and enjoyed flying his Cessna airplane. His next adventure entailed building a beautiful Mitchell Wing ultra-light aircraft…as Bila remarked, “Ulfi kann alles!” That translates to "Nick can do everything!"
Besides holding a deep appreciation for classical music, his other hobbies included wine-making (and a wine cellar),bee-keeping, UFO documentaries, and various John Deere vintage hobby tractors for his Pembroke acreage.
Raised in Austria as a small child, Nick learned the dialect quickly and easily felt at home. Throughout his life, he spoke with fondness of Austrian people, the fruit trees, the exquisite tortes, and the better climate. Later in life, in Canada, he was always indisbelief at the harshness of Canadian winters.And of course, baked bread was better in Austria too. Finding a loaf of store-bought bread to suit his approval was a humorous but challenging endeavour.
The year 1948 brought Nick to Canada, where he eventually met and married his beautiful wife Bila in 1951.With determination and as new immigrants, they built a happy life for themselves in Pembroke, Ontario, providing a magical childhood for their three girls. It was a childhood offering a lush country setting, home to various lovely horses and beloved dogs. There were airplane rides, horse shows, fun social gatherings, and memorable summer outings to a large farm in Eganville, owned by Nick’s parents.
After Bila’s passing in 2012, Nick’s youngest daughter Gloria, left Alberta and moved back to Pembroke to live with her father. It was a close-knit reciprocal relationship where she looked after him and he looked after her…. a special father-daughter bond creating countless treasured memories.
Even in old age Nick was climbing ladders, working on his tractors, and using a chainsaw to cut firewood for the upcoming winter. However, in February 2023 he began to feel unwell and was eventually hospitalized in Pembroke. After two weeks, he was discharged and sent home to be under the constant care of his daughter. Sadly, his illness progressed rapidly. Sister Mary Buckley was at his bedside during the last minutes of his life. She read beautiful uplifting blessings to him and her gracious spiritual presence was deeply appreciated by all who loved Nick.
Nick left an imprint on the soul of so many people and will be forever loved and missed by his daughter Gloria, his favourite grandson Tristan, Aunt Maggie, his nieces and nephews, long-time neighbours, and friends throughout Canada and Europe.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to or becoming aware of Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario services and resources.
Arrangements entrusted to the Murphy Funeral Home, Pembroke