Ed FITTERER

FITTERER, Ed Age 85, of Victoria, BC, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2008 from complications associated with vascular dementia. Born August 25, 1923, to Johann and Maria Fitterer, Ed grew up in Eastern Europe during some of the hardest times of last century, surviving years of disruption, famine and war, yet seeing his brothers, sisters and parents eventually come to a place of freedom in the West. In 1949, he married the love of his life Elli Kunze in Burgdorf, West Germany and in 1951 they immigrated to Canada to start life anew. Ed and Elli moved to Kelowna and then to Calgary where Ed learned his trade as a painter and decorator, finally settling in Victoria in 1956. The founder and sole proprietor of Service Decorators Ltd, Ed was a respected contractor who held himself to the highest standards in residential and commercial painting for over 30 years. A man of drive and achievement, Ed was happiest when faced with a challenge to overcome. And yet, he also knew how to retire and live well, which he did by traveling the world, from Mexico to Egypt, from England to Israel, and more. He was a generous supporter of many charities as well as a faithful member of St. Patrick's R C Parish, supporter of St. Patrick's School, and a life long advocate for people with Down Syndrome. Ed loved good conversation. He was interested in history, politics and the events of the day, but also enjoyed light and humorous banter. He loved watching hockey and soccer games, going for long walks with Elli, and was completely dedicated to his grandchildren. His big hobby was hanging around his cabin at Shawnigan Lake every summer, hosting friends and family for BBQ. Ed was a man of action and wit, a man of honour and fairness. But above all, he was a man of devotion and loyalty to his family. His one overarching purpose in life was to aid his children and grandchildren in growing up to become the best that they could be. Ed will be greatly missed by Elli, his wife of 59 years, and sons Bernie, Robert and wife Casey, and daughter Barbara. He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren Bernie Jr, Jenna Leigh, Sarah, Adam, Jenny, and great grandson Taylor. Predeceased by brothers Peter (d.1976), John (d.1996), and Wilhelm (d. 2003), Ed will be missed by the whole family: Eugene and Lena, Frank and Pauline, Geri, Irene, Leo and Trudy, Rosa and Paul, Karl and Gretel, Joachim and Helga, and his many nieces and nephews. Many thanks to very special friends Beverly and Haike Preuss, Bruce and Dorothy McRae, Thanks to all at Sunrise Senior Living, but especially to nurses Carol Saretsky and Bet Broome. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 3 at 12:10 pm at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 2060 Haultain Street. Reception to follow in the church hall. For more information, please email: rob@ebcvictoria.ca. 514292 Published in the Victoria Times-Colonist from 11/23/2008 - 11/24/2008