Fritz Baatz has left his family and the congregation of Zion United Church here on Earth to join the Lord’s congregation in Heaven. Born in Treuenbrietzen, Germany, he graduated with a Bachelor of Agriculture from the Technical University of Berlin. He moved to England and then Canada in 1956 and worked on ranches, at the sawmill and then Bethlehem Copper for 26 years before retiring in 1989.
Fritz met his bride Marrion Fleming at church in Ashcroft. They were married in 1960 and had four children, Ernest (Sharon), Paul, John and Marianne (Steve). They enjoyed their many years of retirement and grandparenthood together. They traveled to Europe, the Middle East, and across Canada. They enjoyed hosting the family get-togethers at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Marrion died in 2013. Fritz outlasted his brothers and sisters, but is survived by one sister-in-law in Germany, Lotti, and Marrion’s brothers Bill (Angela) and Alf (Liz). The grandchildren Amy, Tabitha, Tessa, Isaac and Hannah all have fond memories of their Opa, his sense of humour and his ambitious gardening.
A Celebration of Life will be held on April 23rd at 2pm at the Ashcroft Community Hall. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Zion United Church, where Fritz and Marrion were devoted members of the congregation.
Online condolences may be made at www.tvfh.ca