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RICHARD ALBERT KURTZ
Born: Jan 15, 1945
Date of Passing: Nov 09, 2019
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
RICHARD ALBERT KURTZ
1945 - 2019
In his final days, Richard was surrounded by his beloved wife of 53 years, Heather; his children, Jennifer (Craig), Christopher (Charlene), Colleen (Luca), and Ashley (Jeremy), who will hold him in their hearts, always. Beloved grandchildren, Isabella, Sofia, Rocco, Timothy and Elodie, will miss their Papa forever. Richard is survived by his brothers, Bryan (MaryAnn), Jimmy (Renee) and their families.
He is predeceased by his parents, Jack and Ede; mother-in-law Charlotte Fraser; and brother-in-law Paul Fraser.
Richard will also be missed by our extended Fraser families in British Columbia, Buffie families; our families at Twin Beaches, the Renoufs and Piscleviches; as well as many lifelong friends.
Born at St. Boniface Hospital on January 15, 1945, Richard grew up above the family business, Valley Flowers, on Mountain and McGregor. He shared his parents' passion for working with flowers and playing cards, proudly collecting his first paycheck only to lose it all to his mother in a game of Black Jack. He studied floral design after graduating high school and later served as President of Flowers Canada for a number of years. He particularly enjoyed using exotic flowers to create innovative designs, bringing some tropical flair to his customers in Winnipeg until he retired.
Heather, his high-school sweetheart, and Richard were married on July 22, 1967, and their family was the centre of their universe. They raised their family in West Kildonan and at Twin Beaches, with wide open spaces where family memories flourished and lifelong friendships thrived.
Richard was a foodie before there was even such a word. His passion for cooking and appreciation for good food developed while he was in his early twenties, and family times always began with exquisitely presented appetizers. This appreciation for good food was passed onto his children and grandchildren. A true son of the North End, Richard was loyal to North End businesses his entire life, returning there to shop at least once a week. The families monthly visits to the Shanghai may just have contributed to the longevity of that establishment. We know he will be perfecting #61!
Richard will be missed for his loving good nature, joy in trying new things, and his sharp sense of humour. He was full of surprises, to the very end. Thanks for keeping us on our toes, Rich!
The family wishes to thank healthcare professionals at St. Boniface Hospital for all of the wonderful care that Richard received in recent years.
We will be celebrating Richard's life when warmer weather returns in 2020; details will be confirmed at a later date.
Donations to Winnipeg Harvest are gratefully appreciated.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 16, 2019
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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School and friends. - Posted by: Chuck Bruzell (Friend) on: Nov 24, 2019
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We were neighbours for about 30 years, and watched as our children grew from toddlers to grown ups. The memories were awesome as life goes on and we have grandchildren and even great grandchildren. These are what keeps us going from day to day. We must remain strong, Judy. - Posted by: Judith Lavitt (Former neighbour) on: Nov 20, 2019
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Dear Jimmy, Received a phone call this morning that Richard had passed away. I am so sorry and my condolences to all. So sad when we lose a sibling so young. Hugs, Maureen Wagner - Posted by: Maureen Wagner (2nd cousin) on: Nov 18, 2019
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So sorry for your loss. It was decades ago that we would see your family at Twin Beaches when we were visiting the Pisclevich’s and the Renoufs at their summer homes. Many fun times spinning the kids around on the huge lawn and jumping in the gigantic waves with them. I’m sure there was lots of great memories made there with your family that will keep Richard close to you always. Bob and Fran Vannevel and family - Posted by: Eileen goertz (Relative of friends ) on: Nov 17, 2019
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I remember the family well. I grew up in the north end of Winnipeg and spent a lot of time with Jimmy. I hung out at the HiSpot a restaurant owned by his uncle which was across the street from Valley Florists. Richard was a hard working and talented fellow working in the family owned business, Valley Florists. - Posted by: Terry Olson (Friend of family) on: Nov 17, 2019
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Dear Kurtz Family: I remember Richard from the North Winnipeg YMCA. We had lots of fun with friends at our weekly teen dances. I also remember Richard, Jim and Brian cooking at the Hi Spot. These are precious memories. With respect - Barbara Sabanski (nee Refchuk) - Posted by: BARBARA SABANSKI (Friend) on: Nov 16, 2019
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Dear family my sincere condolences on your loss. I knew Richard for 40 years and was a faithful customer of Valley Flowers. Always very informative and a great person R oh chard will truly be missed. Gus Beitz - Posted by: Gus Beitz (Friend) on: Nov 16, 2019
