Franz Roth

Franz Roth, 82, passed away suddenly at his home in Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia, Canada on January 13, 2026. Born in Gamnitz, Germany (now Czechia) on January 27, 1943. He was the beloved husband of 57 years to Irene (née Henderson). Loving father of Michael Joseph (Ingrid Majarais) and Stephen Franz (Raquel Giorgetti), and cherished grandfather “Opa” of Abby, Alex, Ella, Andrew, and Lizzie. Brother to Josef (Renata) and brother-in-law to Inga. Nieces and nephews Susanna, Ulrich, Martin, Andreas, Sabina, Klaus, and Peter. Predeceased by his parents, Josef and Margareta Roth, sister Margareta, brothers Hans and Wenzel, and nephew Hans-Martin.

Franz grew up in the small village of Ehringshausen, Germany. He started his working career at the age of 13, as an apprentice industrial optician at Ernst Leitz (now Leica) in nearby Wetzlar. After his apprenticeship, he traversed the Atlantic alone at 18 years old, relocating to Midland, Ontario to work at the new Ernst Leitz Canada site, where he met Irene. He was asked by Leitz to support an optical company in South Africa (Eloptro), a venture he completed from 1975 to 1977. After returning to Midland and raising his family, he was later asked to assist operations at Leitz Pacific Limited in Shanghai, China. He worked in Shanghai from 1996 until his retirement in 2008, moving to Nova Scotia to pursue his new position as an outstanding Opa.

Franz never met a stranger. He constantly sparked cheerful conversation and always knew how to make you smile. His whimsy, optimism, and just-right amount of silliness left a lasting impression on those who knew him. He was a caring and sentimental man, fiercely proud and supportive of his family, who found joy in every living moment. He was our Superman — there was nothing he wouldn’t do to help others.

He loved being outside in nature regardless of the weather; hot or cold, it never bothered him. An expert gardener with a keen eye for detail, he took pride in perfecting the flowers, trees, and crops that adorned his peaceful lakeside home. He could grow any variety of orchid. He spent days building a treehouse, trails, and more, all for his grandchildren. Franz was a world traveller and physically active throughout his life, running and cycling on a regular basis. His regular cycling route was 26km around the winding hills of his neighbourhood of Kingswood, and he still enjoyed swimming across Ragged Lake, on which they built their dream home. In September 2025, he returned to Germany to complete the Berlin 5K alongside his two sons, amongst only eight other participants in the 80+ age bracket.

Franz was known in Kingswood for happily driving around in his old ‘96 Ram pickup, greeting with a friendly honk of the horn and a warm wave to neighbours, particularly while collecting bags of leaves in the fall. He was passionate about blood donation and graciously made over 500 donations of blood and plasma in service of his community. This ritualistic commitment has become an honour in his family, as he proudly donated blood with three generations of Roths at once.

More than anything else, he loved his children and his family. His final words were “I love you. I’ll be alright,” as he headed out for his customary 2.5km run to the mailbox and back. He couldn’t have gone out in a better way.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026 at J.A. Snow Funeral Home from 6-8pm.

Franz will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a blood or plasma donation with Canadian Blood Services or a financial contribution to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.