Kenneth RATZ

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RATZ: After a courageous battle with cancer, Kenneth Lloyd Ratz of Rivers, Manitoba died peacefully with his family by his side in Brandon, Manitoba on June 13, 2011. Ken was born April 6, 1934 in Brandon. He married Shirley (McRoberts) in 1956 and the couple raised two children, Larry and Janice. Ken is survived by his loving wife Shirley; son Larry (Joan) Ratz; daughter Janice Ratz (Davin Oleson); three grandchildren: Lesley (Dave) Creighton, Craig (Melissa) Ratz and Kyle (Jena) Ratz; six great-grandchildren: Aimee, Logan, Cole, Brooke, Mason and Leighton; brother Gordon and sister Ethel (Clark). He was predeceased by his parents Edward and Ida, his brothers, Harvey and John, sisters Dorothy (Joynt) and Betty Ratz. In the early 50's, Ken started farming south of Wheatland, where he raised his family. Ken's family meant the world to him. He loved spending time with them and was especially enjoying recent time with his great-grandchildren. Ken and Shirley retired to Rivers in the early 90's. Farming was in Ken's blood as he enjoyed helping his son Larry on the farm during busy times. In retirement, Ken spent a lot of summers at Clear Lake. He enjoyed special times sitting around the camp fire at the lake or in the coffee shop visiting with friends. Sports were another passion of Ken's. When he was young, he enjoyed playing baseball and fishing. He spent many a night watching his son Larry play hockey and this carried on with his grandkids baseball and hockey. Ken followed the Blue Jays games and had season tickets to the Brandon Wheat Kings for a few years with his daughter Janice. In Ken's retirement, when he wasn't curling in the winter, he was golfing in the summer. A service in memory of Ken was held at Rivers United Church on Friday, June 17, 2011. Rev. Barbara Jardine officiated. Donations in Ken's memory can be made to Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation for Acute Care, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 2B3, or Rivers Curling Club, Box 658, Rivers, Manitoba, R0K 1X0, or Riverdale Golf & Country Club, Box 117, Rivers, Manitoba, R0K 1X0.Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 25, 2011