Much too young at 85 and due to heart complications, we have lost Lou Mestekemper of Meadowvale, NS, at Valley Regional Hospital on May 25, 2022 with his wife by his side.  Lou was born in Germany on February 3, 1937 and emigrated bravely to Canada in 1955 to seek his opportunities and his future.  Lou is survived by Diane, his loving wife of 38 years, son Harry (Sue) Mestekemper of Brantford, ON, daughter Susan in ON, and daughter Helen in BC.  Lou leaves behind grandsons, grand-daughters and great-grandsons. When life presented a hurdle to Lou, he was always able to pick himself up, dust himself off, and try something new.  His interests were varied, including golf, hot air balloon rides, travel, French classes and his cherished wine (red, of course).  Lou was good-natured at all times, always treated others kindly and was well-respected by family, friends, and the community.  He nurtured a wonderful relationship with Diane's father, Tom Franklin, and they created quite a bond.  Beagles were his favorite four-legged friends and he has had many and leaves behind his precious Lucy.  Professionally, Lou has achieved much – Bachelor of Commerce in Germany and CIM degree at Western University in London, ON.  He quickly immersed himself as Plant Manager of Swift Canadian, Winnipeg and General Manager in Ingersoll, ON.  Then, on to General Manager of Granny's Poultry in Winnipeg and he was sent to Japan on a trade mission by the province of Manitoba.  In 1991 his entrepreneurial spirit awoke with the start of Brant Taxi in Brantford, and then in 1999 he began L&L Shuttle in Brantford.  Lou received the Enterprise Brant award for entrepreneurial success of 20 years. One of Lou's greatest successes was his involvement as a Rotarian for 50 years, in numerous provinces. He has held the position of President x 2, received 2 Paul Harris Fellowships, as well as the True Rotarian Award.  Lou successfully initiated the Middleton Goldmine Toonie Draw and was able to watch the proceeds do great things in our community.  Cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Lou's life will be held 2 p.m. on Monday, May 30 at the Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., toll free: 1-855-825-3448. A live streaming of the service will be available beginning at 1:55 p.m. ADT by selecting the "livestream" option at the top of the funeral home website.  Bring your smiles and your stories and leave behind your sadness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lou's memory, to the  Rotary Club of Middleton.  Online condolences may be sent to www.middletonfuneralhome.com