Waterloo Region Generations
A record of the people of Waterloo Region, Ontario.

Paul Jewitt Bitzer

Male 1931 - 2020  (89 years)


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  • Name Paul Jewitt Bitzer 
    Born 1931  Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    Elected Office 1977  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location 
    councillor - Kitchener 
    Eby ID Number Waterloo-36675P 
    Died 12 May 2020  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Person ID I36675  Generations
    Last Modified 7 Nov 2024 

    Father Armin Moritz "Arnie" Bitzer,   b. 4 Oct 1885, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 1967  (Age 81 years) 
    Mother Henrietta Viola "Ettie" Jewitt,   b. 1896, Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 1981, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 85 years) 
    Family ID F30569  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Barbara 
    Last Modified 12 Nov 2024 
    Family ID F58540  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Notes 
    • Obituary for Paul Jewitt Bitzer

      Paul Jewitt Bitzer Died peacefully after a brief illness, May 12, 2020 at Grand River Hospital, at the age of 88. Dearly missed by his wife of 48 years, Barbara, his two daughters, Elizabeth (Sarish) and Katherine (Noël), and his five grandchildren, Meghan, Maden, Liam, Renée and Felix. Predeceased by his parents Armin and Henrietta Bitzer. Sadly missed by his sister Joan and brother-in-law Lew Bradich, nieces and nephews Tim, David, Janet and Sue, and their families. Also missed by his in-laws in England, Howard and Megan, Margaret and David, and their families.

      Paul was born in Toronto but his family returned to Kitchener, and the Bitzer ancestral property, when he was nine years old. He attended KCI and then Waterloo College (now WLU) where he was president of the student body and editor of the Keystone yearbook. After graduation he continued at Carlton University in public administration for two years and in 1955 began work as a civil servant in the Saskatchewan government of Tommy Douglas, cementing his lifelong involvement with the NDP and earlier CCF parties. In 1957 he returned to Ontario and began his career teaching French which took him north to Thessalon and Dryden, and later Peterborough (where he and Barbara met) and finally back to Kitchener where he retired from teaching in 1989.

      Paul was a lifelong member of the United Church of Canada, and in his earlier years was very active in Christian Education work for boys and as a director of United Church camps. As a member of Trinity United Church in Kitchener, he served faithfully in Waterloo Presbytery and on the Board of Governors at St. Paul's College. He was a dedicated member of the Canadian Methodist Historical Society, and volunteered extensively with organizations that focused on human rights and compassionate care. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather (Conrad Bitzer) and his father, Paul also served in local politics. Elected as Alderman for the Kitchener City Council from 1977-79, he was proud of his role in helping to launch the Centre in the Square.

      Always interested in the needs of others, he became closely involved with many refugee families from Kosovo, acting as sponsor, mentor and generous financial backer. He developed a special friendship with Valdet Osdautaj and his family, and we would like to thank them for their continued interest and support even as his abilities began to decline. While the onset of Alzheimer's slowly eroded his memory and diminished his mobility, it did not rob him of his personality or smile. We thank Sunnyside's Community Alzheimer Program for the support he received through their weekly gatherings, and all the PSWs who visited him daily. Their care and compassion was much appreciated.

      Paul loved meeting and connecting with people. He delighted in visits to England and in car trips that took his family all across Canada. His passion for history, politics and all things British resulted in an impressive book collection, lovingly gathered from bookshops near and far over the years. Paul will be remembered for his infectious laugh, his encyclopedic knowledge, his joy in finding bargains, his love of food (especially forbidden desserts), his predilection to correct everyone's grammar, and above all his pride in his family.

      Paul's funeral service will be held on Sunday, May 17 at 2pm. Please join us via livestream: https://www.henrywalser.com/live-streaming As expressions of sympathy, donations to Amnesty International Canada or The United Church of Canada - Mission and Service Fund would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home).

      Paul Bitzer - Tuesday, May 12th, 2020. (2020). Retrieved 17 May 2020, from https://www.henrywalser.com/memorials/paul-bitzer/4213959/obituary.php?fbclid=IwAR1Xjap9ERKdRnHwyZuOtAqcdPCfyaM2csb33gjgxT6dbAgEoFwBAW3ekso

  • Event Map
    Link to Google MapsBorn - 1931 - Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsElected Office - councillor - Kitchener - 1977 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsDied - 12 May 2020 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
     = Link to Google Earth