Former Wilmot mayor remembered as community builder
Flags at the Township of Wilmot are flying at half-mast to honour its first mayor, Ernst “Ernie” Ritz, also a former editor and publisher of the New Hamburg Independent newspaper, who passed away Wednesday at the age of 98.
“Being Wilmot’s first mayor was one of many accomplishments of Ernie Ritz during his lifetime of public service,” said Wilmot mayor Natasha Salonen in a news release. “A community builder and mentor to many, he will be remembered not only for his life’s work but for the relationships he formed along the way.”
Born in New Hamburg in 1925, Ritz remained “devoted to his community,” his obituary states. He was first elected to local municipal council in 1949 at the age of 24 and was the last mayor of New Hamburg and the first mayor of Wilmot when regional government began in 1973.
Ritz was married for 65 years to wife Betty, who predeceased him in 2012. He’s remembered by sons Bill and John and their families, including several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ritz’s lifetime of service included time training as a pilot and navigator with the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1943 to 1945, the printing and newspaper business, and serving on local boards and committees, including leadership roles with the Waterloo Historical Society.
Recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ontario Heritage Society for his contributions, including the establishment of a local heritage conservation district, Ritz was also a founding and charter member of the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.
He was inducted into the Waterloo County Hall of Fame in1997 and honoured with a Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2012.
A visitation is scheduled for today from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Mark Jutzi funeral home, 291 Huron St., New Hamburg.
A memorial service will take place on April 5. Details can be found at markjutzifuneralhomes.ca.