It is with broken hearts we announce the sudden and tragic passing of our dear son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend Willy Bartz, on July 19, 2017, in Vernon, BC.
Willy or Will, as his friends called him, was born in Dryden, Ontario on November 29, 1966. Willy led a very full life; living in Dryden, Aldergrove, BC, Dinorwic, Summerland, Vancouver, and settled in Vernon, BC, which he loved.
Willy, as we called him, was one of the kindest souls you could have ever met. He never met a stranger, never held a grudge and never left you without a smile and an “I love you” Willy was well known for his TShirts and his love of a good joke. He also had a big heart. Willy volunteered at the Upper Room Mission as well as the Salvation Army. He was often seen walking and picking up garbage to help keep the town clean. Despite his disability, he walked everywhere and never said “I can’t” He helped anyone and everyone and he will be missed by many.
He is predeceased by his grandparents William and Lydia Bartz, Olga and Fredrick Alexander, Stepfather Ray Realini, Uncle Bill Realini and Cousin Tara Realini.
Willy is survived by his mother Elsie Realini, Father Siegfried Bartz, sister Teresa Bartz, and brother Daniel Bartz. Nephews Logan Royer (Erin) and Adam Royer (Sam), Victoria Willard, who was his BC mother, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends in BC, Jared, Chris and Brian, who have been wonderful to both Willy and his family during this trying time.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Willy’s favourite place to volunteer, The Upper Room Mission, 3403 27th Avenue, Vernon, BC. V1T 1S1