Heinz OLLESCH

OLLESCH, Heinz (September 17, 1931 - September 27, 2019) Heinz passed away peacefully at St. Peter's Hospital on Friday, September 27, 2019 a few days after his 88th birthday. Heinz grew up in Germany where he completed an apprenticeship as a mould maker. After working a few years in Switzerland, he decided to emigrate to Canada in 1955. After working as a dishwasher in Montreal and as a mould maker in Shawinigan Falls, he then moved to Hamilton to work at Bertram's in Dundas. Three years later he started working at International Harvester where he stayed until he retired in 1988. While working, he regularly attended night school upgrading his language, technical and supervisory skills. These efforts explain why he progressed from a labourer to retiring as an industrial engineering technician. To describe Heinz as a sports enthusiast would be an understatement. He was a skier, an amateur boxer, an oarsman in a rowing club, a long-distance runner, a motor bike rally competitor, a lifelong ballroom dancer and, last but not least, a cyclist. He biked in Canada and through most of Europe, from southern France to Sweden. A great number of medals and awards testify to his accomplishments as a sportsman. Heinz joined the Germania Club of Hamilton immediately after arriving. He served on the club's Board of Directors for more than 30 years, primarily as the Director of Entertainment - decorating the dance hall, researching and hiring dance bands, organizing club dances and special events such as Oktoberfest, New Year's Eve galas and Sunday evening dance parties. For his exceptional services, the Germania Club elected him an Honorary Member. Heinz also held memberships at the Continental Austrian Club in Burlington and at the German Benevolent Society. Heinz is remembered by his children June Bouwman (Marty), Karen Fitzpatrick (Phillip), Jason Ollesch and by a great number of dear friends to whom he was devoted. A special thank you to the caring staff at St. Joseph's Villa, St. Joseph's Hospital and St. Peter's Hospital. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Germania Club of Hamilton (863 King St East) on Friday, November 15, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Ontario.