Obituary of Robert Kuntz

KUNTZ, Robert (Bob) January 10, 1932 - February 7, 2011 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the good faith, 2 Timothy 4:7 Peacefully, in the presence of his loving family, at Columbia Forest Long Term Care Center on Monday, February 7, 2011. Bob's long battle with Parkinson's disease and related complications has ended. The battle ended in a draw, for the disease could never quite extinguish the courageous inner spirit, lion heart and dignity of a man who was a fighter - for his family, on the football field, in the business world, and in all other aspects of his life. Beloved husband to Mary for over 50 years, and dear father and hero to their six children; Carl (Kay), Elizabeth (Fred), Robert Jr. (Erica), David (Rosemary), Joel, and Suzanne Kuntz Forth (Peter) who predeceased him in 1991. Bob delighted in his 12 beautiful grandchildren; Caitlin, Agla (Scott), Alexandria, Jillian, Robbie, Josiah, Bethany, Rachael, Patrick, James, Sean, Jacob and Gabrielle. Also survived by his sisters Mary Karn, Doris Gutoski, Anne Germann, Sandra Beingessner (Jim) and his brother Louie (Diana), sisters-in-law Delores Finnegan and Joan Weber and many beloved nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, Oscar and Martha, brothers David, Paul (December 2010) and brothers-in-law, Jack Karn, Joe Karai, Bob Germann and Bob Heintzman. Born in Detroit, raised in Cleveland, Bob and his family moved to K-W in 1948, where father Oscar started up Kuntz Electroplating Inc. (KEI). Bob was an outstanding all-star football player - his love of the game and competitive spirit led to a very successful career in the CFL - 6 years with the Argos and 5 years with the Tiger-Cats. He was part of the Grey Cup winning teams in 1963 and 1965. During the football years and thereafter, Bob worked in many positions at KEI along with his brother Paul, becoming CEO and finally Chairman of the Board before his illness forced him to retire. He cared deeply about his employees, many of whom have greatly missed his presence. Bob was a founding member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, a charter member of the Kitchener-Conestoga Rotary Club and a charter member of the K-W Racquet Club, where squash, bridge and often outrageous conviviality became his passions. He was also a golfing member of Westmount Golf and Country Club. Bob enthusiastically supported many worthwhile community causes, including St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation, Mosaic Counselling & Family Services, the Untied Way, the Congregation of the Resurrection and St. Jerome's University. He was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003 by the Shamrock Charities. He loved his cottage retreat in Port Elgin, enjoying the view of the lake with family and friends. Our heartfelt gratitude to all those who provided Bob with their compassionate care and friendship, especially caregivers Dave Derraugh (7-1/2 years), Caitlin, Julie, Gordana, Sarah, Fiona, Liane and Michelle, as well as the caring staff of Columbia Forest Long Term Care. Many friends faithfully visited Bob, especially Ralph Michell and Dr. Jack Sehl. Friends are invited to share their memories of Bob with his family during visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Tuesday (tonight), February 8 from 7-9 pm, and Wednesday, February 9 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Parish Prayers will be held Wednesday at 8:45p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi RC Church, 49 Blueridge Ave., Kitchener on Thursday, February 10 at 11:00 am with the Rev. Joseph de Viveiros as Celebrant. A reception and tributes will immediately follow the Funeral Mass at Westmount Golf and Country Club. Interment will take place at Woodland Cemetery with a private committal service at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, if desired, donations would be deeply appreciated to any of the following: St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation, St. Jerome's University (the Suzanne Kuntz Forth Bursary), Mosaic Counselling & Family Services or the Parkinson's Society. Online condolences and donations may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519.745.8445.