MORATZ, Ellis

MORATZ, Ellis Harold (Blondie) - In Loving Memory of Ellis Harold (Blondie) Moratz who passed away on Sunday, September 30, 2012 at the age of 79. Beloved husband of 57 years of Emgard Moratz, nee Melcher of Wahnapitae. Loving father of Randy (wife Cheryl) of Garson, Rev. Karen Jenkins (Allan) of Ridgeway, Shelley Lisi (Dan) of Sudbury, predeceased by Dennis of Toronto. Cherished grandpa of Tegan Legge (Andrew) and Kyra Moratz, Kathryn and Mackenzie Bowen, Tyler and Sierra Lisi and great grandpa of Nessie. Dear son of Fred and Mathilda (Sperberg) Moratz both predeceased. Loving brother of Nelson, Martin, Allan and Alice Kent all predeceased, sisters Gladys Pilatzke of Elliot Lake, Marjorie Karwaski of Sudbury and William Moratz of Sudbury. He is survived by many nieces and nephews. Ellis was employed by INCO, working mostly at the Garson Mine Site and also at the North and South Mines. He was a member of a first place winning Mine Rescue Team which was based at the Garson Mine. He retired in 1991 after 42 years of service. Ellis was also a volunteer fireman at the Number One Nickel Center Fire Station for 12 years and worked his way up to Captain. Ellis was a true sportsman excelling in everything he undertook. He could be found on the ball field, at the arena, in the horseshoe pits, or in the bowling alley. Several shelves full of trophies were a testament to his winning spirit. In his later years he turned to coaching and taught many young lads in Garson the finer points of softball and house league hockey. The highlight of his coaching career came with an invitation to bring his young softball team to the Virgin Islands to compete with their teams on St. Croix and St. John's Islands. Some of those boys are now coaching their own children and gave him a big pat on the back when he came out as a spectator. His greatest joy was watching his own grandchildren excel in whatever sport they were participating in, whether it was in an arena, a gym, on the water, on a ball or on the soccer field. The grandchildren loved to go camping with Grandpa and particularly enjoyed his campfires as he was self professed master campfire builder. Grandpa was no slouch on the trails and kept up his pace with the children as they watched for birds or animals, or heaven forbid, snakes. After his retirement, Ellis turned to woodworking and crafted many beautiful pieces for the whole family in his well stocked workshop. Neighbours always knew where to find him when they needed a tool, a board or just advice. Ellis was active in his church with ushering duties, cutting grass and clearing snow. The family wishes to give a special thank you to the 4th floor caregivers at Extendicare Falconbridge. Cremation has taken place. Funeral Visitation at the LOUGHEED FUNERAL HOME, 252 Regent St., at Hazel St. Tuesday, October 2, 2012 from 2-5; 7-9 p.m. A Celebration of Ellis' Life in Trinity Lutheran Church, 189 Regent St., Sudbury, Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 11 a.m. Donations to the Trinity Lutheran Church would be appreciated. Interment of ashes at the St. John Cemetery, Garson at a later date. To light a memorial candle, flowers, donations or messages of condolences available on-line at www.lougheed.org