Obituary of Enrique Catala Diaz

Enrique "Henry" Catala Diaz, 86, died peacefully on Saturday August 24 at Freeport Hospital in Kitchener. Enrique was born in Spain on September 8, 1926. He immigrated with his family to Canada in 1966. Enrique was an accomplished tool and die maker and retired in 1991. Enrique is survived by his wife, Rocio and his four children: Henry (with wife Lorraine and children Alexis and Ashley), Vincent, Marta (with husband Leonard and children Stacey, Alan, Kristie and Becky) and Maggie (with husband Jamie and children Jameson and Sean). He is also survived by sisters Julia, Pepa and Concha and brothers Vincente and Pedro, all of whom live in Spain. He is predeceased by his parents and brothers Eduardo and Antonio. Enrique loved to see his grandchildren play sports and was well known at local hockey arenas and baseball diamonds. Everyone knew him as "Grandpa" and he rarely missed a game. Enrique was involved in many recreational and work bowling leagues. After years of giving up swimming laps at the Breithaupt Centre, he loved to get exercise by walking through the arenas and Conestoga Mall. A private crematory service was held on Monday August 26 at the Erb and Good Family Funeral Home in Waterloo. Enrique's ashes will be flown to Spain. His family in Spain, including many nephews and nieces who cherished their Tio Enrique, will have a mass for him during the second week of September. The family would like to thank the staff at St. Mary's Hospital (4th floor) and the staff at Freeport Hospital (Union Terrace 3 West) for the dignified care they provided Enrique. A special thank-you to Molly, Nancy, Juliet, Trish and Diane at Freeport. Maggie and Jamie Kunkel will be hosting an open house at their home to celebrate Enrique's life. The open house will be held on Thursday August 29th from 4-6 pm at 200 Willowdale Avenue in Waterloo. Please remember to support the Canadian Cancer Society when given the opportunity.