Edward Putz, June 24, 1938 – May 14, 2019

Passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones. It was a difficult journey for him to carry on without his beloved Trudy. Edward always seemed to persevere with much strength, determination, and gumption. He lived many more happy years together with his daughter, Diana, and grandchildren. They quickly got him up to speed in the modern world of technology, daily discussions on scientific advancements, hip-hop, and rap.

Ed was a gentle, kind, spirited, and adventurous soul who always donned a big smile. He always seemed to be able to put forth a greeting in every language which both surprised and delighted those he met. Ed was enormously loved, respected, and revered as our 'King of the Castle'. He gave us sound advise and encouraged us to follow our passion; to always choose kindness and "do the right thing". Although we felt that we inspired him, he taught us so much more about the true meaning of life, which has left our hearts full of joyous memories and an eternal impression on our souls.

We were so blessed to have the opportunity to hear his stories from growing up in Sangerberg, Czech Republic with his eight brothers and sisters: Anton (Tony), Anna, Maria (Mimmi), Franz, Gertrude (Trudel), Werner, Herbert, and Friedrich (Fritz). Ed lived with his family on a homestead with acres upon acres of beautiful rolling grassland hills, a stream running through, and naturally carbonated mineral springs. Operating the local mill, his father produced flour, baked bread, grew their own crops, and raised live stock on this self-sustaining farm. We were mesmerized to hear these stories; when he and his brothers exchanged eggs for cigarettes with the American Soldiers and hid them under the steps from their parents, until their father found them - giving them more eggs to get more cigarettes for himself! The incredible stories of his maternal grandfather, Anton Kramer, who was the official 'Jägermeister' – the hunting master, guiding nobility and businessmen on hunting excursions - what an incredible time in history.

At 9 years old, during the annexation of the Czech Republic after World War 2, his family was forced to leave their home with a personal allowance of one trunk. They were put on wagons then a train to Weilheim, Germany to commence their new life. Ed would never forget the sound of crying cows in pain from not having been milked, as the wagons pulled away. Living in bunkers and making the best of his new life adventures gave him his fortitude, work ethic, appreciation, and quest for something greater.

Ed started working at the age of 10 in the pub owned by his godfather, Utz, who was the town butcher. Ed helped make sausages, and ice cream on Sundays behind the bar. This opportunity gave him great pride to provide for his family. Ed finished his schooling and started working at BMW in München with his brother, Franz. They shared a room, a bed, and worked opposite shifts to save every possible penny they earned.

In 1958 at 19 years old, he said goodbye to his family and boarded a cargo ship to Canada where he settled in Toronto, and never looked back. Ed was offered 2 jobs in one day, which he both accepted: one as a baker and the other as a grocery clerk. He saved up to buy a car within a few weeks, an Austin Haley, then Cadillac. He made the incredible trek across Canada and back through the States, then commenced his incredible career with Loblaws as Grocery Manager spanning almost 42 years.

In 1962, Ed met the love of his life – his beloved Trudy. They were inseparable and together built a life of love, family, adventure, abundance, splendour, appreciation for the simple pleasures, and compromise – most of the time! He enjoyed camping, fishing excursions, the bowling league, hockey with the boys, picnicking, family BBQ parties by the pool at their home in Oakville. He loved to travel; especially to Portugal and Germany. He was a proud Opa to his 9 grandchildren, and the biggest fan watching them play soccer, hockey, basketball and dance meets. He found his Zen in his garden, and enjoyed repairing things around the house, running errands, and completing items on Trudy's extensive lists.

In the last years of his life, he was reflective, appreciative, and at peace. Ed was grateful for having left Chartwell Retirement home after a respite stay, commenting that "he was one of the lucky ones". He was given the nickname Hollywood because he was always finding excuses to get out of exercising. He took solace and pride in creating his new home and spending meaningful time with his family. He enjoyed many vibrant and joyous family parties, listening to his grandson's new jams, visits from his friends, walks in Bronte, reading the Toronto Star and National Geographic, running errands, medical appointments, shopping with his daughter at Winners; taste testing samples at Denningers, Monastery Bakery and the Health Food Store, monthly foot care with his Chiropodist Tiffany, Portuguese church luncheons with John, taking classes in attempting to learn new technology, salt cave visits, boat cruises, touring the old neighbours in Toronto, expanding his palate in trying new cultural dishes, chatting with friends, brothers, sisters, and relatives from Germany and the States, weekly friendship luncheons, tai chi and snooker games at Sir John Colborne Senior Centre, watching nature shows, hockey and soccer with the family, chicken wing night at the Bronte Firehall, and an exciting family birthday party at the racetrack for his 80 ^th birthday!

Edward's joy and purpose were the simple things in life, appreciating and living in the present moment. He built a solid foundation, creating family and community, saving and planning for the future; being the teacher, the provider, and the role-model. Ed was an exemplary human being who was there to support friends and family until the end. He was and will continue to be revered, respected, and cherished in our hearts. He will be deeply missed by his daughter, Diana Ingram; sons, Jim and Andrew Putz; grandchildren, Kiersten, Jordan, Chantelle, Tyler, Jacob, Eden, Emerson, Elizabeth, and Sophia, as well as Paulo, Jennifer, Jackie, Carmen & John, Teresa & Patrick, Monica & Angelo, Tulio & Doreen, Ed & Barb, Terri-Lynne & Paul, his loyal companions; great-grand doggie Bambi and Darwin the bearded dragon, together with extended family and friends.

You are now shining down on us with your dear sweet Miss Trudy. Rest in paradise kind and gentle soul, until we meet again.

With profound love and devotion,

Your daughter, Diana