NICK MUTZ

Nick Mutz, 84, of Devlin, Ont., passed away Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Nick was born in Ukraine on Nov. 27, 1921 to the late Nick and Barbara Mutz. He immigrated to Canada with his family in 1935, where they settled in Crozier, Ont.
Nick was proud to have served overseas during World War II in the Normandy invasion. He was wounded in action and was a PoW.
Following his return home, he owned and operated the McIrvine Grocery Store.
Nick was united in marriage to the former Shirley Livingstone on Sept. 17, 1955 and together they raised six children.
For many years, Nick owned and operated Mutz Bros. Construction. His favourite job was operating the Drott “Yumbo” Backhoe (which was not available one spring when a robin nested in the bucket and Nick would not let it be used until the babies were gone).
Nick was a kind and strong man, who loved planting and cultivating trees, gardening, feeding and watching the birds, tending the honey bees, and watching the wildlife on the river (animal and human).
He especially loved to play cards (500 Bid), and spent many hours playing with family and friends.
His greatest pleasure was his family and holiday gatherings, where great times were shared. His grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy, and they were devoted to him.
Nick and Shirley had just celebrated 50 years of marriage that they shared with family and friends.
Nick is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughter-in-law, Geri; sons, Richard, Tim ( Laura), and David (Patty); daughters, Donna-Lori (Greg Shoemaker) and Tania (Don Angus); and sister, Annie Lahti, brothers, Bill and Jack, and brothers-in-law, Dennis Livingstone (Shirley) and families.
Nick adored his grandchildren and spent many hours with them: Heather (Mike), Ashley (Russ), Nicole, Denis, Ryan, Jessica, Nadine, Alex, Chris, Allan, Matthew, Alyssa, Jaxon, Cori, Nicky, Tania, Colin, Nick, and Katelyn; two great-grandchildren, Madison and Nolan; as well as nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by son, Bob; mother and father, Barbara and Nick Mutz; sister, Sonia Baryluk; brother-in-law, Aarne Lahti; and sister-in-law, Audrey Lloyd.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006 at 2 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, with Rev. Frances Flook officiating.
Interment will take place in Box Alder Cemetery in Box Alder, Ont. at a later date.
Friends may visit from 1 p.m. until service time on Sunday at Green Funeral Home.
The pallbearers will be Denis Mutz, Ryan Mutz, Alex Shoemaker, Chris Mutz, Allan Mutz, and Matthew Mutz.
The honourary pallbearers will be Nick’s family and friends.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the charity of your own choice in care of Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.