Johann 'John' Arthur Wirtz

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that our family mourns the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Johann (John) Arthur Wirtz on Wednesday, July 4th, 2012. Predeceased by his parents Anna and Josef Wirtz and his

parents-in-law, Margaret and Frank Vandekamp, he is survived by his wife of 48 years Margaret, daughter Angela (Hans) Junker of Calgary, daughter Maria Wirtz of Victoria, son John Wirtz Jr. of Victoria, grandchildren: Sophie, Anna, Max and Carsten Junker; brothers Franz-Jozef Wirtz and Christoph Wirtz of Germany.

John was born in Zweifall, Germany. He was a vibrant man with a huge passion for life. His love of adventure put him on a ship to Canada at the age of 19 to explore a new world. He and Margaret moved to Port Alberni in 1967. He was known to many locals as Johnny the Barber, who owned the Riviera Barber Shop on Argyle Street. for many years, before starting a career with School District #70. John’s deep ties to his roots and his great love of music and dancing led him to found the “Europa Club” in 1974, and bring the first Oktoberfest to the Alberni Valley.

John also could be found with his ‘second family’, the coffee club at Smitty’s. A quiet burial has taken place, however a memorial service for John will be held on Saturday, July 28th at 9:30am at Notre Dame Church.