RITZ, Basil Henry – May 29, 1928-August 1, 2006Basil Henry Charles Ritz of Belwood, Ontario passed away peacefully August 1, 2006 at the age of 78 after a brief and courageous battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Basil is survived by his loving wife of 24 years Barbara Leatherdale; his step-son Gordon Leatherdale, and three children Lynda (Dennis) Ritz of Calgary, Laurie (Gary) Smith of Reno, NV., Stephen Ritz of Minneapolis, MN., and their mother Jessie Ritz-McLeod. He is also survived by his brothers Harold (Tania), and Elvin (Shirley); his grandchildren Calvin and Austin Ritz and Jessica and Kristen Smith: and nieces Susan, Patricia, Robin, and Tammy. He was predeceased by his parents John and Sarah and his niece Julie. Basil grew up on his family’s farm in Dundalk, Ontario. As a young adult he headed for Toronto to begin a career in business. He landed his first position with the distillery Gooderham & Woertz. In 1957, Basil moved to Calgary where he took a position with the Zurich Insurance Company. It was in Calgary that he raised his three children. He was also an elder at St. Peter’s Anglican Church and a long time member and past president of the Lion’s Club. In 1982 Basil became a founding member of W.F Morneau and Associates. He relocated to Toronto in 1983 as President of W.F. Morneau and Associates and retired in 1986. In 1992 Basil and Barbara left the big city to take up residence at Pine Meadows in Belwood, Ontario- where he was the first president of the Pine Meadows Community Association. They say a man’s success is measured by the people he leaves behind. Basil was indeed a rich man he loved life and he lived it to it’s fullest. A sports enthusiast, Basil just didn’ t watch he participated. His passion was golf. He [played right up until he took ill and had two holes-in-one to his credit. Basil was also an avid curler, bowler, and skier. He loved to travel, dance, and could be a tough guy to beat at cribbage and bridge.Basil will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him, including his feline friend Mr. Mistoffelees. Family will receive friends at the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home, 280 St. David Street. South, Fergus, on Thursday August 3 from 7-9p.m. Service of remembrance will be held in the funeral home chapel on Friday, August 4 at 11 a.m. Donations to the Canadian Lung Association or Guelph General Hospital Foundation may be made through the funeral home. Cards are available at the funeral home 519-843-3100. www.grahamgiddyfh.com