Obituary of William Uffelman

"Bill" or "Buck" passed away at St.Mary's Hospital, Kitchener on Sunday, February 13th in his 86th year, with congestive heart failure. Beloved husband of the late Erla Elaine (Lederman) after 54 years of marriage: dear father of Scott and his wife Janet, Elizabeth Wing and her husband Paul, Cathy Plomske and her husband Grant, all of Waterloo, son-in-law David Schwalm and his wife Lynda of Parry Sound.; loving grandfather of Luke (Tara) and Kristina Schwalm, Emily, Kate and James Uffelman, Elysse and Todd Wing, Adam, John and Heidi Plomske and Jon-David and Amy Schwalm. Special great-grandfather to Suzy Schwalm, and many dear nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, Orley and Minota, wife Erla,( 2001), and his loving daughter Susan Schwalm (1986). Buck was a gifted athlete playing ball for the Waterloo Tigers and hockey for the Siskins at age 15. He left both to join the RCAF at 17. He was proud to be in the service during the war and told many stories of his enlisted time. He later coached the Waterloo Midget Hockey team to their first ever Ontario final. He was a founding member and trustee of Parkminster United Church, Waterloo. While he was a member of the Waterloo Park Board he helped acquire Bechtel Park, Parkview Cemetery and the Canbar Lands for Waterloo Park. He also served as a PUC commissioner for more than 12 years, leading the polls in every election he ran in. During his tenure, Waterloo North Hydro was born and new headquarters were built on Northfield Dr. He was very proud to be from Waterloo and marveled at its tremendous growth. He will be sadly missed by his entire extended family including his four dear sisters, Elinor Martin, Phyllis Turner, Barbara Joan Schutts (Al), and Peggy Biederman (Glenn) and his brother, friend and business partner, Jim (Denise). Also brother-in-law, Dick Meunier.He will be greatly missed by special friends, Jim Huck, Frederick Uffelmann, Bette Goman and Ron Berger. Bill loved his family and friends. In younger years, Bill curled but in later years golf became his passion. He was a life long member of Westmount Golf & Country Club - claiming his first hole- in- one at the age of 75. He helped form the Rainbow Ridge Golf Course near his summer home in Manitowaning, Manitoulin Island. His grandsons were special to him whether they were playing golf together or talking about life. He loved them dearly and they valued their relationship with a very wise man. After his service duty, he joined his father and brother, Jim, at the Ontario Seed Company. Following his father's death in 1963, Jim and Bill expanded and grew the company. Buck loved the seed company and everyone who worked there. It was a true joy for him to come to work and he continued to do so until his death. His son, Scott and daughters Elizabeth and Cathy are an integral part of the company and were fortunate to be able to spend every day with their father. OSC has continued to grow and it was with great joy for Buck that it has become a true family business as many of the grandchildren have worked at OSC during their summer vacations making it a 5th generation business. His granddaughters were very special to him. They were his pride and joy and he enjoyed every moment of their visits. "We love you Poppa." We will miss this incredible force in all our lives both family and friends. He enjoyed life and shared his love and humour and words of wisdom with everyone. Bill's family will receive friends at Erb & Good Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo on Thursday, February 17th from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A private family memorial service will be held on Friday, February 18th followed by a celebration of his life at Westmount Golf and Country Club at 3 pm. We invite friends and family to join us there and raise a toast to a wonderful man. Memorial contributions to St. Mary's Cardiac Centre would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. Thank you to the CCAC for your loving care of Bill and the 7th Floor Nursing Staff at St. Mary's Hospital for your comfort and support.