Gary Hertz

August 7, 1954 – January 24, 2021

The family of Gary Kenneth Hertz is pained to have to share the news of his passing on January 24, 2021

Gary was born in Kenora August 1954 to Eric and Dorothy Hertz and was the 7th of what would be 15 children.

He leaves behind his daughter Robyn (Mike) Michalchuk and his son Jason Hertz to carry on his memory and share his stories with his precious grandchildren, Gwen and Emrik Hertz.

Gary will also be mourned by his brothers: Bobby Hertz; Leo (Joyce) Hertz; Walter (Marlene) Hertz; Brian Hertz; Joseph (Jennifer) Hertz; Greg Hertz; Thomas (Marj) Hertz; Paul Hertz (Marlene Fenlon) and sisters: Dolores (Jack) Shodin; Sylvia Bishop; Estelle (Carlo)Cantera; Leanne (Garry) Schwartz; Carla (Rick)Campbell.

We take some comfort in knowing that his parents Dorothy and Eric Hertz, sister Carol Hertz, nephew Brad Hertz, brother-in-law Terry Bishop and sister-in-law Louise Hertz are awaiting his arrival and leading his pathway to heaven.

Gary spent all of his life living and working in small communities across Northwestern Ontario. While still attending high school, Gary began his work career working with his Dad at Trilake Timber on Saturday mornings. After leaving school he continued to work at Trilake for many years before moving on to Mando, living and working winters in their bush camps. Back in Kenora in the 80’s he co-owned and operated Green Thumbs Lawn Care; in the early 90’s he co-owned and managed the Highwayman Restaurant in Dryden. As a heavy equipment mechanic Gary went on to work with the mechanics at Excel Coach Lines in Kenora, Ear Falls Contracting in Ear Falls and Devlin Timber in Kenora.

Before health issues comprised Gary’s lifestyle he loved being outdoors; fishing, hunting and camping. In an old freighter canoe, he, his cousin and a friend took a 10-day roundtrip journey, departing from Laurenson Lake through Lake of the Wood paddling, portaging and camping through the chain of lakes from Blindfold, through Hillock, into Dry Berry returning with many amazing tales. He was an avid baseball and broomball player and from this came many life long friends. He took pride in his many vehicles especially his 1970 Road-Runner and 84 Dodge Mirada. He was king of the trails with his John Deere Liquifire and Mercury Trail Twister snow machines, breaking trails before that was even a thing. His little brother Paul following close behind in the Kitty Cat Gary had bought him.

In the early seventies Gary receive recognition and accolades, provincially and federally, for his heroic act of saving the lives of four children trapped underwater in a car. He was very humble about the recognition he received for these commendations.

He loved reading about and discussing history, science and politics. He loved listening to old tunes and watching old movies, he had a great sense of humor and was generous. He respected and cared for the environment around him. His firepit in the bush with Jason and grandchildren Gwen and Emrik, on the beach at cabin 7 with family and friends, the old cabin at Pike Lake raising a beer with his brothers, and around the kitchen table having tea with Robyn and his sisters were his favorite places to be.

Gary spent many years living with and caring for his mother Dorothy. She loved his company and took great comfort in knowing he was there with her. He continued to take care of the family home up until his recent hospitalization.

Gary lived his life with stubborn determination. He enjoyed debating and in-depth conversations with anyone who had an option. He especially loved to bounce his views off his nephew and buddy Chris.

He loved and was loved. He appreciated and valued family and friends. He took great pride in his children and their accomplishments and absolutely cherished his grandchildren. He a took delight in being an uncle to his many nieces and nephews. He will be missed and always lovingly remembered.

We would like to thank the EMS and the staff at LWDH. A special thanks to Char, for being there to support Gary in his finally decision making and her patience with all the inquiries from our family.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the LWDH Foundation; Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Cremation has taken place.

A gathering to celebrate Gary’s life will be planned post COVID, hopefully this summer.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS.