Herbert H. Renz passed into his final rest on Saturday May 7th 2016 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Comox, British Columbia. Awaiting him on the far banks of Jordan are his Mother and Father Friedrich Renz and Hulda Renz (nee Graf), also his brothers Oskar and Alfred, and a loving extended family of whom he shared many fond stories. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Alma, and children Nelson (Georgeann), Ron (Roberta), and Deborah (George); also 2 grandsons Ryan and Robert.
Herbert was born on October 18, 1924 in a small German village, Güldendorf, near Odessa on the Black Sea in what is now the Ukraine. He served in the military and was badly injured in World War II. He immigrated to Canada in 1949 with his Mother (having lost most of his family in the war). He worked hard at several professions, working the longest (over 30 years) with MacLeods/Gambles in Winnipeg, Manitoba, as a valued member of their management team. He met the love of his life, Alma, while visiting relatives in Calgary, Alberta. They married on October 12, 1951 and settled in Winnipeg. As their family grew up and moved along into their own homes and lives, Herbert and Alma moved with their youngest, Deborah, to the west coast, settling first in North Delta, and then later in Surrey, British Columbia.
In 2007 they moved to the beautiful Comox Valley to be near Deborah and her husband. Despite many physical challenges in recent years, Herbert’s greatest joy was visiting his children, sharing stories, helping them with home improvements and projects, and participating in family gatherings large and small.
Everyone who knew Herbert will remember him as a principled man with great strength of will and stamina, a good provider, a contributor to his community, a dedicated professional, loyal to his friends, and as a proud and loving Father and Husband, who instilled a strong work ethic and values into his children and grandchildren.
His love for his wife and family was unconditional. To his children and grandchildren he will always be our Dad or Grandpa, our advisor … ally … protector … champion … our best friend.
A memorial service for Herbert Renz will be held at 1pm on Friday the 13th of May 2016 at Piercy’s Funeral Home (440 England Ave. Courtenay, BC).
Herbert loved history, and he and Alma enjoyed many evenings together at the theatre. So in lieu of flowers, the family asks that a contribution be made to the Comox Valley Community Foundation (www.cvcfoundation.org) to either the Sid Williams Theatre Fund or the Courtenay and District Museum Fund.
The family would also like to sincerely thank the staff at Comox Valley Seniors Village, Cyndi White of Grannies on the Go, Dr. Brailey and staff at Seacove Medical Clinic, and St. Joseph’s Hospital First Floor Inpatient Unit staff for all their help and kindness.