Dr. Martin BIELZ

1936 - 2023

DR. MARTIN BIELZ We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Dr. Martin Bielz on September 20, 2023 in Ottawa. He is survived by his wife, Claire Caloren; his two sons, Simon and Christian; his daughter, Astrid; and grand-daughter, Penelope. Martin was born on August 12, 1936 into the German-speaking Saxon community of Transylvania, Romania. He obtained a Doctorate in Education (Sports Science) in Leipzig, Germany prior to choosing Canada as his home in 1970. As a rower, Martin was an accomplished Olympian, athlete (Rome 1960), coach (Munich 1972) and Director of Competition (Montreal 1976). From the 1970s through to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and beyond, Martin played a pivotal role in advancing high performance sport in Canada. Martin was a passionate educator, first as a university professor in Bucharest, Romania and later as Chairman of the Board of the École française internationale de Vancouver and the Lycée Claudel of Ottawa. For his contributions, France bestowed upon him the titles of Chevalier and Officier de l'Ordre des palmes académiques (2006, 2013). Martin was a man of many and varied interests (collecting, gardening, farming, handy work), and a true entrepreneur. Having rarely held a position previously occupied by any other, Martin founded and ran several businesses in response to local community needs, including Castor Bus Lines (Russell, ON) and CityLink Bus Lines (Vancouver/Fraser Valley, BC). Above all else, Martin cherished his family and felt immensely proud of each of them. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 21 (2-5 p.m.) at the Ottawa Rowing Club, 10 Lady Grey Dr. K1A 0G8. All are welcome. https://gb774.app.goo.gl/q8pnh