Obituary of Edwin Ritz

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our Father, Edwin Ritz. He was born on the family farm at Donavon, Saskatchewan on March 27, 1921. On August 3, 2016 he was called to his heavenly home after a short time in hospital. Edwin was predeceased by his loving wife, Wilma, his parents Jack and Sarah Ritz, his brother Lorne Ritz, and his sisters Adelle Leier, Lenore Schaeffer and Mildred Dommes. He is survived by one sister-in-law, June (Jim) Busby, of Saskatoon. Edwin’s family consisted of one daughter, Connie (Archie Balon), and three sons: Gerry (Judy), Lloyd (Lorraine) and John (Susan). Edwin was dearly loved by his ten grandchildren: Alan (Marsha), Leah, Angie (Dale), Brett (Stephanie), Brody (Lee), Michael (Alana), Meagan (Nathan), Jana (Adrian), David (Carley) and Mandy (Lary) and fifteen great grandchildren: Aidan, Aspen, Beckett, Bobbi, Cabri, Garrett, Graeden, Hunter, Isabel, Kaitlyn, Laiken, Madden, Parker, Seth, and Theodore. As a young man, Edwin enjoyed playing softball and playing drums in a local band. He and Wilma were married on October 22, 1949. Together they developed a new farm site across the road from where he grew up. They continued to live in the Donavon area until 1966. At that time, they sold the farm and prepared to move their family to Langley, B.C. An ad in the newspaper caused them to reconsider, and in 1967 they moved to a beautiful farm at Rosetown, Saskatchewan. When he retired from farming, in 1981, Edwin began making miniature buildings and machinery. The result of his work is on display at the Western Development Museum. It is called the “History of Farming in Miniature.” Travelling in their motor home was something Edwin and Wilma both enjoyed. In 2000 they moved to Luther Heights in Saskatoon. Edwin began volunteering at the WDM and enjoyed doing so for many years. Writers Group and the writing of his memoirs resulted in another legacy for his family. Hobbies of all kinds kept him very busy during the last years of his life. He was a friend to many, and the most wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather we could have asked for. In lieu of flowers, donation in Edwin’s memory may be made to STARS Air Ambulance or Ronald McDonald House.