1860–1944
Mount Pleasant Cemetery
Room XY
Born in Buffalo, New York, George Charles Heintzman was destined to carry forward one of Canada’s most iconic musical legacies. He was the son of Theodor August Heintzman, founder of Heintzman & Co., a piano company that became synonymous with quality and craftsmanship across the British Empire. When Theodor passed away in 1899, George and his brother Herman assumed control of the family business, ushering in an era of expansion and innovation.
Under George’s leadership, Heintzman & Co. thrived. By 1906, the company was producing over 2,000 handcrafted pianos annually in their factory in Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood. In 1920, George orchestrated the acquisition of his cousin Gerhard Heintzman’s firm, consolidating the family’s dominance in Canadian piano manufacturing. That same decade, Heintzman absorbed the prestigious A&S Nordheimer Piano Company, further cementing its reputation as Canada’s premier piano maker.
George was not only a businessman but also a cultural influencer. Heintzman pianos graced concert halls and homes across Canada, earning praise from musicians and even royal patrons. His tenure as president lasted until 1942, when his son Bradford succeeded him. George passed away on February 22, 1944, at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy of music and craftsmanship that shaped Canadian musical culture for generations.
Sources:
• Wikipedia – Heintzman & Co.
• Wikipedia – Theodor August Heintzman
• Toronto Historical Association – Heintzman Piano Factory
• Mount Pleasant Group – Theodore Heintzman
Photos:
• Piano - Jahreszeiten13, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
• Headshot - Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
