Obituary of Robert Laverne Shantz

Passed away suddenly at home on Monday September 23, 2019. Robert was born 80 years ago in Kitchener, Ontario. Beloved husband of Janice Kay Shantz for 47 years who was considered his "much better half," the love of his life.

Loving father of Ryan and Jaimie Shantz (Kitchener), Landon and Bria Shantz (Delta, BC) and Erin and Jeff Brophy (Boynton Beach, FL). Proud and loving Grandpa of Zachary and Daphne Shantz, Kaeden and Ethan Shantz and Jasper, Miller and Harper Lauren Brophy.

Dear brother to Ruth and John Helle (Sarnia, ON), Murray and Edith (Baden, ON), David and Susannah (Montreal, PQ), Donna Martin Shantz (Hamilton, ON), John and Sharon (Barrie, ON) and Ron and Joyce (Oakville, ON). Dear brother in law to Paul and Karen Eckert (Ephrata, PA)
He will be sadly missed by many Aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews in the USA and in Ontario.

Robert was predeceased by parents Mahlon Weber Shantz (2000) and Mary Cressman Shantz (1998), brother James Merle Shantz (2011) and daughter Lauren Gayle Shantz (1989).

Robert graduated from Goshen College, Goshen Indiana (1973) with a BA Music Education and a MA in Music Education from Southern Methodist Univeristy, Dallas Texas. He taught for a few years at Middle and High schools in northern Indiana before moving to the music Dept. of Rockway Mennonite Collegiate in the fall of 1973. He taught there for 23 years, organizing many choirs and chamber orchestras.

He was a faithful member of Mannheim Mennonite Church leading singing, leading Sunday School classes, serving on various committees and being a part of the Music Leadership. He participated in many choirs (Menno Singers, Philharmonic Choir, Schneider Male Chorus) besides organizing many church choirs and being part of the leadership of Martin Family Singers and the Jubilation Male Chorus.

Robert spent many years driving transport trucks. While teaching at Rockway Collegiate he would spend his summer months driving for Home Hardware. Upon retiring from teaching he continued driving full time for Erb Transport (8 yrs). He enjoyed bringing Janice and the kids along for the ride. He finished his working life driving a tri-axle dump truck for Keith Leis (12 yrs) before finally retiring at age 78, in good spirits and health.

Family and friends are invited to share memories on Friday, October 4, 2019 at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home from 2:00-4:00pm and 7:00-9:00pm. A Celebration of his life will be held at Mannheim Mennonite Church, 1494 Bleams Road, Petersburg, ON on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 2pm. with Pastor Gord Alton officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sunbeam Home, KidsAbility or Mannheim Mennonite Church by contacting the funeral home www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.