October 28, 1925 – February 16, 2025
He often liked to paraphrase the Dali Lama; “If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them.”
We are saddened to announce that just 4 months past his 99th birthday, Dad passed away with the comfort of family and special friend Bernie by his side on February 16, 2025.
Much loved Husband and predeceased by wives, Viola Bass, and Ilene Ironside. He will also be missed by his cherished friend and Cribbage Partner, Bernie Charette.
Beloved father of Terry (Sheila), John (Linda Vardy), late Susan Stewart (Keith), Mike (Louise), late Infant Donald, late Mary ‘George’ Goertzen, Dan (Gretta), Nancy Leindecker (Scott), and Vicky Goertzen-Cooke (Tony).
Treasured Grandfather of the late Fred Goertzen, Karen Innocente, Stella Beaudry, Melissa Leask, Keith Stewart Jr., Candace Stewart-Jones, Jean Alcock, Clint Goertzen, Patrick Russell, Christine Russell, Jeff Goertzen, Erin Goertzen, Ryan Leindecker, Glenn Leindecker, Thomas Leindecker, Giles Cooke, and Raef Cooke. Dearly loved by many great & great-great grandchildren and nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Son of the late Jacob and Agatha Goertzen of Winkler Manitoba, mischievous brother to and pre-deceased by all his siblings John (Stella), Jake (late Katie), Agatha Nuefeld (late George), Sue Wall (late Dave), Betty Unrau (late Ike), and Mary Watt (late George).
Son-in-law of the late William Bass of Iron Bridge, Ontario. Brother-in-law to, and pre-deceased by; Lillian Smith (Donald), Winnifred McLaughlin (Gordon), William (Peggy), Gerald (Corrine), Bernard (Wendy), Grace Oros (Frank) and Dennis (Vivienne).
Also, Son-in-law of the late Mary and Alex Ironside of Prince Township. Brother-in-law to Jean Mattila (late Jim), and pre-deceased by; Bea Ironside, Margaret Cornacchio (Alfred), Peter Ironside (Louise), and John Ironside (Mary).
He was born in Blumenfeld, Manitoba, and raised in the Mennonite faith. At 16 he left the faith to enlist in the Army (twice – he altered his birth certificate) and then later transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force where he trained as pilot.
After the WW2 ended, he eventually landed at Algoma Steel for 33 years. He remained in Sault Ste. Marie for about 9 years and then was convinced that a farm in Bar River would be a good place to raise the kids.
Not one to sit idle, he always had some wood working project on the go. He even went back to school at 80 years old to learn how to operate a computer. Dad found time between his working, farming, and retired years to contribute many hours to his community through various organizations too numerous to mention. He was quite proud to serve the Township of Laird from 1978 to 2006 in the capacity of both Councillor and Reeve.
Although he was strong willed, and never shied away from sharing his opinion, Dad had soft spot for the underdog and was quick to lend a hand, food, money, or even taking people in to live with us when the need arose.
Growing up in the Depression, he was not one to be frivolous with money. “Why buy something new when you could come up with a creative fix for just about anything.” He was even trying to get us to bring parts and tools into the Davey home so he could come up with a solution to a problem he wanted to work on right up to his last weeks of life.
A heartfelt thank you to the Staff at the F. J. Davey Home on Cedar Grove, Floor #2 for your compassionate care. Dad spoke highly of you all and enjoyed engaging with you daily.
At Dad’s request a cremation has taken place, a celebration of life will take place in May 2025.
Memorial donations in his honour to the Echo Bay Elks, The War Amps, F.J. Davey Home, or a charity of your choice will greatly be appreciated.
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com. to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456).