Obituaries

EDMUND WIRTH

March 20, 1923 – October 29, 2020

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our father, grandfather, father-in-law, brother, veteran, and good friend Edmund Wirth. Ed was a wonderful example as to what it was to be an all around balanced human being, as he always treated everyone with respect regardless of their station in life.

Ed was born in Winnipeg to his parents Wilhiem (William) and Katarzyna (Katherine) Wirth on March 20, 1923. He led an interesting and long life. He was an adventurous soul who never shied away from a challenge.

At the age of 18, Ed signed up to train as a pilot to serve during the Second World War.  He served as a bombardier and navigator before his plane was shot down over Germany. He and his remaining comrades were captured and sent to various prison camps under the 3^rd Reich. After 1½ years of harsh conditions and poor treatment he exited the war, but not before enduring and surviving a three-month ordeal of The Death March through Germany. Ed was 22 years old when he returned to Winnipeg and was sent to Deer Lodge Hospital to recover, as he was ill and only weighed 100 pounds.

Ed met Beatrice Verity in 1945 and they were married May 24, 1946. Subsequently over the next few years his son Gary and daughter Carolyn were born.

In the early 1950s, Ed and Bea were transferred to Montreal, as an accountant with The Hudson Bay Company to work in the Northern Stores division. Throughout his career, Ed flew all over Northern Canada and Northern Ontario to audit books in the Hudson Bay Company stores. In 1976, Ed and Bea returned to Winnipeg and continued to work at the Hudson Bay House on Main Street until his retirement at 62 years in 1985. Ed and a group of his colleagues at Hudson Bay Company would meet every Thursday for lunch over a period of 28 years!  At the time of his passing Ed, had two remaining friends Don and Geoff from this group.

Ed was well regarded by his friends and colleagues.  He loved sports, hockey, football, and baseball and actively participated in curling for many years.

Ed had a busy retirement. His lifelong passions of stamp collecting, gardening, and shopping filled his time. Ed loved a bargain and would actively hunt down any bargain to be found. Throughout his life Ed enjoyed growing a variety of vegetables and flowers (Gladioli were a particular favourite). His friends, family and church were recipients of his bounty.

Ed and Bea loved to travel. They particularly loved going to Florida consistently for about 40 years. They also traveled to New Zealand about 6 times to see their daughter Carolyn and granddaughter Melissa. They also visited England, Portugal, parts of Europe, Brazil, and the Caribbean.

In 2013, Ed decided that he had enough of home ownership, and he moved into the lovely facility of Lindenwood Manor where he resided until December 2017. An unfortunate fall resulted in his move to the Deer Lodge Centre. Ed participated in the many activities available for the residents of Deer Lodge Centre.

Ed was predeceased by his parents William and Katherine Wirth, wife Beatrice, granddaughter Jillian Wirth, and special friends Anne Goertzen and Evelyn Lochhead.

Ed is survived by his sister Adeline Landau-Remy (Helmut), nephews Roberto (Fernanda), and André, grand nephews Gui, Enrique, Arturo, Theo, Nicolas and grand niece Laura, all of São Paulo, Brazil,  son Gary (Kathi) of Winnipeg, grandchildren Vanessa and Ben Wirth of  Vancouver, BC, daughter Carolyn of Palmerston North, New Zealand, grand daughter Melissa (Mario) and great grandson Marcus of Edmonton, AB.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place in the late spring when COVID is passed and it is safe to do so.

Special thanks to the staff of Towers 4 and 6 at the Deer Lodge Centre. His care was exemplary.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Deer Lodge Centre, The Winnipeg Humane Society or charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels has care of the arrangements.