Mr. Richard Gertz

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father and opa, Richard Gertz. Richard passed away peacefully at home in his sleep on May 21st and now rests in the arms of his Lord. Richard will lovingly be remembered by his wife Frieda of 59 years (nee Schmatlz), daughters Ingrid (David Hayes), Ellen (Mike McKiel) and Anita (James Bowles); grandchildren Mitchell, Trevor, Nadia and Ronan and brother Erhard and his family.

In 1957, Richard came from Germany to settle in Vancouver with Frieda, and succeeded in building a better life for he and his family in a place far from his birthplace. Richard, a diesel mechanic in Germany, learned a new trade, plumbing, once here in Canada. He went on to start his own business and successfully ran Gertz Plumbing and Heating for over 33 years employing many people.

Richard was an active member of Martin Luther Church for over 50 years and will be sadly missed by all members of the congregation. In his later years Richard enjoyed thoroughly dreaming, designing and building many home improvement projects at his home and at his cabin at Loon Lake. Richard and Frieda loved to tend their large vegetable and flower gardens in their backyard. He also enjoyed making new inventions and gadgets at his machine shop.

A memorial service will be held at Martin Luther Church, (505 E 46th Ave. Vancouver) on Monday, June 2nd at 11:00 AM followed by a burial service at Ocean View Burial Park (4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby) at 12:30 PM. Reception will be held at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Diabetes Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.