Obituary of Herbert Charles Ratz

Professor Herbert Charles Ratz passed away peacefully at the Hospice Wellington on August 14, 2018 at the age of 91.  Herbert was born in Hamilton, Ontario on July 23, 1927, the son of Elmer and Emily Ratz.

Herbert is predeceased by his wife Jean Isabel Fairles (1999), his eldest son Steven and wife Marie-Helen Lessard (2014).  Herbert will be deeply missed by his daughter Clare, son Thomas (Michele) and his seven grandchildren, Derek and Sebastien Ratz, Hailie, Charles and Nicholas Pavanel, and Brammall and Willa Ratz; and friend Carol Fischer.

Herbert graduated from the University of Toronto with a B.A.Sc. in Engineering, going on to receive his Master’s degree in Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and finally his Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan.  Herbert spent most of his career as a professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Waterloo. He particularly enjoyed assisting exchange students from other countries. 

Herbert especially enjoyed the time he was able to spend at his island cottage in Georgian Bay, cherishing time spent with his family.  He took great pleasure in sailing, inventing and his golden retrievers.  Herbert had an infectious curiosity for the past, present and future – the scientific and the spiritual, always willing to share ideas with others. 

As per Herbert’s wishes, there will be no funeral services.  Private interment will take place at Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo for family.  The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at both Grand River Hospital 5N and Hospice Wellington.  As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Waterloo Historical Society or the Georgian Bay Land Trust would be greatly appreciated and may be arranged by contacting the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.