Heinrich Ridder

We regret to announce the passing of Heinrich “Heinz” Ridder, husband of Elisabeth, on Monday, April 5, 2021 at Douglas Campbell Lodge at the age of 77 years.

Heinrich is survived by his devoted wife Elisabeth Ridder; children - grandchildren: son Bernd (Gabi) - Nicole Ridder, daughter Birgit (Bob) - Sofia and Oliver Lund and son Georg (Julie) - Xavier and Evan Ridder; sisters Anne-Marie and Liesel and families.  He will also be remembered by many friends and neighbours. Heinrich was predeceased by his parents Josef and Maria Ridder.

Heinz Ridder was born on Monday, October 25, 1943; in Boekendorf, West Germany. He was the youngest child to Josef and Maria and the only brother to Anne-Marie and Liesel. His childhood was spent helping his parents with the farm. Agriculture involved fieldwork/crops, working with cattle and pigs. For many years, he worked in construction but always favoured working the land - farming; his passion. Heinz met Elisabeth in hometown Boekendorf and married September 11, 1971. In January 1972, they became proud parents to their first born, Bernd. A year later, daughter, Birgit was born. Heinz had a dream. The farm papers he read boasted of land and opportunity in Canada. The family emigrated in fall, 1977 and moved to a farm north of Poplar Point in spring, 1978. In May, Georg was born. The early years in Canada were hard - leaving the homeland, family and friends behind was very difficult. The extreme temperatures were so different. The language barrier posed many challenges. With the help of neighbours and a tight German community, the family managed to adjust. Lifelong friendships were formed and helped with the loneliness of living in a foreign country.

There was nothing Heinz wouldn’t try. The farm consisted of land, cows, horses, chickens, cats, dogs and later pigs and sheep. Heinz loved all animals. The family lived a simple life. Food came from the farm. Meat, vegetables, fruit and all meals homemade. Heinz loved good food. Fortunately for him, he married a woman very skilled in the kitchen. Heinz had a very strong work ethic and instilled the same in those around him. 1987 saw a move to Pine Creek to continue farming. By this time much help was provided by both boys who made life easier for both Heinz and Elisabeth. In 1997, Heinz, Elisabeth and Georg moved to a farm near Katrime. Old machinery had been replaced largely with newer technology. As life was to get easier, health issues arose in 2005 for Heinz. Heinz and Elisabeth moved off the farm in 2011 to Oakville where Heinz was cared for lovingly for many years by his devout wife of what would have been 50 years this September.

Elisabeth made sure Heinz was as comfortable as possible at home until September 2017, when greater care was required and he was hospitalized. Elisabeth rarely missed a day to help Heinz. In January 2019, Heinz transitioned to Douglas Campbell Lodge where he as cared for and tended to with dignity, compassion and kindness from the first day. Elisabeth continued to attend, not missing many days.

Heinz was a strong, tough, devout, man who instilled the value of hard work, adventure, honesty, and a simple life. Heinz loved to visit with friends. He loved to dance.

Heinz was fortunate to have the ability to attend the weddings of all three children: Bernd to Gabi, Birgit to Bob and Georg to Julie. His true pride shone with the birth of Nicole, Xavier, Evan, Sofia and Oliver. Watching them grow brought a smile to his face and the family is blessed to have been witness to this.

Visitation and Slideshow will take place at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  A private family service will take place with burial to follow at Oakville Cemetery.  The service will be recorded and uploaded to his obituary page at a later date.

Many thanks to the fine staff at both the Portage General Hospital and Douglas Campbell Lodge for being so wonderful over the last few years and in particular the last few weeks. Dad was fortunate as was our family for all of you.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Heinrich’s memory to the Douglas Campbell Lodge Foundation, c/o Portage District General Hospital, 150-9th St.SE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3T or a charity of one’s choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com