Tribute

Victor Fritz was born in Klingenbach, Austria on December 21, 1923. He came to Canada in 1929. The family settled in the Rutland area but moved to Oliver in 1932. He died at Penticton Regional Hospital following complications from a fall. “Bumpa” was surrounded by his family in his last days and never lost his sense of humor.
Victor was predeceased by his wife Mary in 2006, and his brothers John and Frank.
He is survived by his daughter Diane Pew(Jon), his son Tom(Dena) as well as grandchildren Kendall(Rich), Lucas(Erin), Mitch(Michelle),Kelsey(Luke), Christine(Seath) and great grandchildren, Eden, Charlie, and Lincoln. He is also survived by his brother Fred of Oliver.
Victor left home at 16 to work for the Union Steamship Co., on the B.C. coast. He joined the Army in 1943 (Canadian Scottish Regiment) and served overseas in Holland and Germany.
Victor married Mary Simon in l947 and moved to the orchard in Osoyoos. His passion was to be a rancher, and he convinced Mary to buy property on Sidley Mt. Rd., Bridesville in 1974. They moved to the ranch in 1979, but returned to Osoyoos in 1995 related to Mary’s health.
Victor and Mary travelled to Europe, Hawaii, Mexico and across Canada, and they happily went everywhere that the grandchildren were participating in sporting events.
“Bumpa’s” ranch was a special place and the animals were his passion. He instilled a love for the outdoors in his grandchildren and they all loved to visit “up the hill”. J
Victor belonged to the Legion and the Gyros – he was a very social person and loved company.
Thank you’s to the nursing staff on SP2 at Penticton Regional Hospital for all their care and compassion during his last days.
To all his friends, family, neighbors, Home Support, Myra and the coffee club that allowed him to remain at home after Mary’s death. He even learned to cook (after a fashion).
Special thank you to Gordon Young and Red Vandenbossche for their assistance with his ranching chores. Their generous help allowed Victor to proudly say that he was still a rancher at 86 yrs old. There was a private family gathering to scatter his ashes, and a Memorial Service was held on Friday June 4th, 2010 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Osoyoos.
Donations in his name can be made to the Salvation Army, 2469 South Main St., Penticton, V2A 5J1.
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osoyoos, BC.