In an unspeakable tragedy, the Degenhardt clan is grappling not only with the loss of the heart of their industrious endeavor but also their emotional attachment to an integral part of their heritage.
Their four-storied barn, a structure that watched over the unfolding of their lives and business, was engulfed in a catastrophic blaze on a quiet Sunday morning, taking with it the lives of 28 cherished livestock including baby chicks, ducks, hens, and geese. The inferno took place in a farm located just outside the quiet township of Petitcodiac, N.B.
As Tuesday dawned, the somber scene was still haunted by the thin smoke wafting off what once was a magnificent 100-year-old barn.
For Remo Degenhardt, the founder and president of Degenhardt European Sausages, the sight of the remnants of his ancestral barn was a surreal shock, one that was devastatingly hard to comprehend. A tangible symbol of their thriving family business, the barn was also a canvas on which the Degenhardt children’s childhood was painted.
His daughter Sam Snowdon-Degenhardt was left shaken and speechless by the news. It was a shared sentiment, with neither she nor her brother knowing how to process the sight that met them.
Remo’s journey began in 1985 when he relocated to the Petitcodiac area from Germany, accompanied by his parents and sibling. The barn that was now reduced to ashes held a special place in this story, being the first building they used when they laid the foundation of their venture.
Degenhardt European Sausages, a cherished delicacy found in grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and restaurants across southern New Brunswick, traces its roots back to this barn, making its loss a heartache felt across generations.
Joined by dozens of firefighters from various volunteer departments, efforts were launched to contain the fire and successfully salvaged the remaining structures, including the home of Sam’s grandparents.
The roar of the fire still echoes in the ears of family friend and employee Jesse Howe who recounts the swift and fierce nature of the inferno. Despite the devastating blow, the Degenhardts are resilient in their commitment to carry on their business. Plans to erect a new barn are on the horizon, an endeavor that sticks a hefty price tag of over $200,000.
In these testing times, compassion and support have poured in from all corners for the Degenhardt family. Among the acts of solidarity is a GoFundMe campaign initiated by a family friend striving to raise funds for the cleanup.
Indeed, as per Snowdon-Degenhardt’s stirring sentiment, the incredible outpour of love, support, and solidarity from their community has served as a beacon of hope amidst their ordeal. Even in the grimmest moments, the spirit of interconnectedness stands tall, affirming the essence of unity and compassion.
