Obituary of Heinz H. Rieger

HEINZ H. RIEGER

May 12, 1940 – April 7, 2018

Heinz passed away peacefully at home in his 78th year, surrounded by his family, with the Masters in the background on TV.

Friend, soulmate, and beloved husband of Margaret (nee Buchan).  Proud father of Mark (Jennifer Platz) and Janice (Jon Colpitts).  Outstanding Opa to Max and “Squashie” Colpitts, James Rieger, Andrea and Benjamin Platz.  Cherished brother of Mary-Louise from Quebec (Daniel McCormick) and Greti Rieger from Australia (Paul Wickham), and brother-in-law of Elizabeth from New Zealand (Murray Roberts).  Loving uncle to Michael and Matthew McCormick, and David and the late Helen Roberts.  Dear friend to many.

Heinz came to Canada in 1957 to join his family in Montreal after completing his apprenticeship in plumbing, heating, and sheet metal in his native Austria.  He worked in these trades while completing his commerce degree at Sir George Williams University.  After graduating, he worked at Sears Canada in Ottawa and Toronto, in the Plumbing and Heating Department.  From Sears he moved to the fireplace industry, and ultimately co-founded CFM Inc. (Canadian Fireplace Manufacturing) in 1987, which became the leading gas fireplace manufacturer in North America.

Heinz retired in 1997 to pursue his many interests including photography and rebuilding antique cars.  Together with Margaret, he greatly enjoyed travel and Scottish Country Dancing.  He also devoted considerable time to his passion, golf, finding a number of kindred spirits with whom to share his enthusiasm.

Family and friends are invited to share their memories of Heinz during visitation at the Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) on Tuesday, April 17 between 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  The funeral will take place on Wednesday, April 18, at 11:00 a.m. at Northlea United Church, 125 Brentcliffe Road, Toronto.

The family wishes to thank Heinz’s many wonderful caregivers: Dr. Robert McKellar, the Michael Garron and Sunnybrook Hospitals, the Temmy Latner Centre, Saint Elizabeth Home Care and nurses Eunice and Christina from Nurses Next Door.  In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Heinz can be made to the Sunnybrook Foundation, directed to Melanoma Research.  Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.