Andy Blatz

Obituary

Andy Blatz, aged 75 years, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, April 21, 2018, with his wife and family at his side.

Andy was born in Steinbach to Andreas & Catharina Blatz. He married Helen Schroeder on August 11, 1963 in Steinbach. They made their home in Winnipeg and he built custom homes for a short time before owning (1977) and operating Can-Cell Industries Manitoba Ltd with two partners from Alberta until retiring in 2016.

He will be greatly missed by: the love of his life Helen, wife of 54 years; son Brian (Myrna), daughters: Cheryl (Vern), Andrea (Jeff); his precious grandchildren: Tracy (Collin and son Coen), Michael (Kayla), Destinee (John), Eric and fiancé Danielle; brothers: Dan (Helen), and Harry (Carol); sister Doreen (Elmer); also Helen’s two sisters: Tina (Neil), and Mary (Peter) and brother Ed (Theresa), and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, sisters: Agnes, Mary, Betty, Helen and Elm, and brothers: Johnny and Walter.

Andy was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished every moment with them. The last few years he loved his time with God every morning and was at peace with God’s will for him. Andy said, “He was going to a better place than you can imagine”, before he died. Matthew 11:28 Jesus says, “Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Andy found his peace.

Andy was a member of the CMC Church in Winnipeg for 40 years where he was baptized and served as a Sunday School teacher, treasurer, song leader and sang in a quintet for many years. His most cherished volunteer job was being the head of the Callsbeck Fellowship Chapel building committee. In 2002, we started attending the Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church at 500 Lagimodiere (closer to home). Later he changed his membership to the WEFC where he served as usher and greeter for 16 years, which he enjoyed greatly until he could no longer serve due to his ailments.

Andy enjoyed golf with his family and friends and his golfing partners Jack & Art whether in summers at home or in Phoenix. He loved spending time with family at Rushing River, canoeing, hiking, and playing sequence with friends and family. He also enjoyed spending time with friends in Phoenix, barbecues, fishing with Jeff, going for daily walks with Helen, being involved with his grandchildren, and very much enjoyed watching his great-grandson Coen, especially near the end from his scooter in Phoenix.

He and his wife Helen enjoyed traveling, taking the kids and grandkids to the Rockies, Black hills, Disney, Mexico and taking them on Caribbean and Alaskan cruises. A helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon was amazing. He delighted in meeting people from other countries and experiencing their culture. Found it very interesting visiting Paraguay and exploring Machu Picchu in Peru. He enjoyed seeing all of Europe by different bus tours with great friends, as well China and a historical Mediterranean cruise with his son Brian. He enjoyed cruises that took him to St. Petersburg, Russia with friends, and in 2015 he enjoyed seeing many islands on his 28 days to Australia. Their friends Hai & Tuyet joined them for an 11-day Asian cruise and toured Vietnam their birth country. Hiking the Swiss mountains was amazing, Andy would say “wherever we went it was all very good”. His last “30-day Holy Land” cruise visiting Israel in the fall of 2016 was a very special experience, to walk where Jesus walked. Last summer he sold his 2 acres at 8 Ramblewood and moved to 99 Mt Laurel Cres. Wpg. It was sad to leave the wonderful neighbours, but he needed a smaller yard.

We sure will miss his smiles, humour, generosity, his experience and willing hand to help wherever needed. His favorite mottos were: waste not want not, hold no grudges, let it go, enjoy today, and trust God with tomorrow.

Matthew chapter 6, verses 33 & 34 Jesus says, “Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own troubles. Today’s trouble is enough for today”. He would say “Amen to that.”

Andy never lost his humor. When Helen asked him before he passed to say Hi to Jesus for her, he said “I’ll do that 50 times over.”

We want to express our sincere thanks to our family, Pastor Ron Koleba & wife Eva, our Bible study group and the many friends for their friendship, prayers and support that made keeping Andy at home a pleasant experience to the end. We will cherish his memory.

Viewing will be held on Friday, April 27 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at the Winnipeg Evangelical Church, 500 Lagimodiere Blvd.

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Winnipeg Evangelical Church, 500 Lagimodiere Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Andy may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship of Canada, 179 Henderson Hwy, Winnipeg MB R2L 1L5 or One Hope Canada, formerly known as Canadian Sunday School Mission, 200-189 Henderson Hwy. Winnipeg, MB R2L 1L7.

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