Obituary of Grant Hiltz

Grant Oscar Hiltz 72, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, passed away at home on April 6, 2005, on a beautiful, sunny morning as the birds sang, after a lengthy, courageous battle with cancer. Born in Chester, NS, April 20, 1932, he was the son of the late Herbert and Ethel (Maddeford) Hiltz. After 35 years of service with MT&T, he retired in November 1991. During his early years, he worked on the SS Liverpool Packet. Throughout his active life, he was a member of the Bridgewater Hawks Hockey Team, a Minor League Hockey coach of 10 years, player and coach of several softball teams, organizing the first Junior and Ladies Teams in the community, during the late 60s and early 70s. Over the years, he was a member of the Bridgewater Firemen’s Band, the Bowater Mersey Band, and the Chester Band. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Bridgewater. At the young age of 59, he joined the Bridgewater Curling Club, and quickly developed a love for the sport, both on and off the ice. His passions in life included woodworking, gardening, camping, and playing with his grandchildren. He was best known as the neighborhood “Mr. Fix It”, and a man who loved to “putter”. He had great patience in life, and was caring and compassionate to all.Always putting his family first, he is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years Florence (Nixon). He was the loving father of daughters Shelley (Jeff) Crouse, Bridgewater, Gale (Derek) Lohnes, Clearland, Carla (Jody) Crawford, Nackawic, NB; Grandfather to Lisa and Amy Acker, Emma and Holly Lohnes, Connor and Liam Crawford; brother to Clara (Bruce) Oxner, Prue (Earl) Zwicker, and Laurel (Bill) Smith; brother-in-law to Joyce, and Amelia, and uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Carl, Lionel, and Horace, and sister-in-law Iris Hiltz. A special thank you to Dr. David Abriel and the Palliative Care Team, Dr. Chris Naugler, the VON Nurses, and all those who supported us and cared for him during this difficult time. Memorial service to take place Sunday, April 10, 2005 at 1:30 pm at Sweeny’s Funeral Chapel, Bridgewater. Visiting Hours are from 7 to 9 pm Saturday, April 9, 2005. Private Family Burial to follow ceremony at Brookside Cemetery, Bridgewater. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Bridgewater Firemen’s Band Bandstand Project, or the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made at www.sweenysfuneralhome.com. He will be loved and in our hearts forever.