WILLIE (WILLIAM) LITZ

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WILLIE (WILLIAM) LITZ It is with deep sorrow that we announce that on October 11, 1999 in Honolulu, Hawaii William left this world to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Born on August 25, 1923 in Winnipeg, William was predeceased by his father Robert; mother Hilda; brothers August, Fred, Richard and Ron and sister Velma DeFehr. Bill is survived by his loving wife Jessie; two sons Russell (Carol) and Bill (Shirley) grandchildren Christina (Brad), Nadia and William Jr.; his sister Alice; brothers Albert (Helen) and Gordon (Margaret) as well as many nephews and nieces. William proudly served in the Second World War in the 17th Battery, 15th field regiment RCA. After the war ended, William returned to Winnipeg where he played a major role in R. Litz & Sons, Sons Company Limited. It was through his and his brothers long hours of work that the Litz name became synonymous with cranes and machinery moving in Manitoba. In 1977 William and Jessie left Canada to retire to Fresno, California and in 1981 Honolulu, Hawaii. During these years he continued to be active as a consultant for R. Litz & Sons Company and as an investor in real estate in the USA. In the two years that he suffered with cancer, William received numerous calls and visits from many of the close friends that he and Jessie had developed from their travels throughout the world and from the help that they had offered others. Bill was particularly happy with his association with the Wycliffe Bible translators, the Gideons, and the Ilikai Fellowship in Honolulu. It was reflective of his life that William, during his lengthy stay in hospital, took on the role of humourist entertaining the family and visitors. The family wants to thank all those that offered their prayers and assistance during Williams illness. A service for William will be held on November 10 in Honolulu. A memorial service in Winnipeg will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wycliffe Canada, c/o Paul Meisner, 1785 Chancellor Drive, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 4C2.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 16, 1999