BITZ, Richard Francis

December 21, 1951 — October 20, 2026

Richard Bitz was born December 21, 1951, and was raised on a farm in Saskatchewan with many brothers and sisters. He was the last child born, making him the youngest of the family, with age gaps between some of his siblings spanning more than 20 years. Life on the farm was far from easy or modern. There was always plenty of work to do and no indoor toilet. Among his fond memories of farm life was a special cow he was particularly fond of named Jelly Bean, and he would also tell stories about his experiences “breaking” wild horses. His favorite horse was a Shetland pony named Mustard.

As a young man, Richard worked on the oil rigs. He loved cars and old western movies, and at a young age, he bought himself a brand-new Corvette, which he recalled arriving in a shipping box. Richard was not proud of all the shenanigans he got into during his younger years, but eventually, after putting a great deal of effort into courting a beautiful woman named Debra Lynn Fraser, he settled down. They married around 1979 and went on to adopt a baby boy, Adam, whom they named after Richard’s grandfather.

Richard enjoyed 14 years of family life and worked hard as a steel fabricator. His work ethic was second to none. Unfortunately, after 20 years their marriage eventually ended in divorce. Despite this, they always held love for one another, and there was even a week, about two years after Debra left, when they came very close to getting back together.

Being a single, heartbroken, and divorced father wasn’t easy for Richard, and it led to some rocky times as he raised his teenage son. He loved his brother Patrick Bitz very much, and together, Richard and Adam shared some of their last truly joyous holiday seasons with Patrick, his wife Colleen, and their son Shane.

Richard also shared a deep love for his sister Gwen and became very close to her, as well as his nieces, Heather and Nancy. Throughout his life, Richard was a very selfless man who loved helping others, especially those in need and the elderly. Even after his divorce, he continued to visit and care for Debra’s grandmother until she passed away years later. He showed that same devotion to his sister Gwen, looking after her for more than 10 years, for as long as his body would allow.

Just five years after facing bankruptcy and divorce, Richard had worked his way back to being able to buy a house again. He and Adam enjoyed many years living together there until Adam went on to buy his own house, something that made Richard very proud. Richard was always supportive of Adam’s dreams.

About a year after retiring in 2016 and while enjoying good health, in an effort to make a positive change in his life, Richard never touched alcohol ever again. He went on to enjoy many peaceful years in his home, a place he took great pride in caring for. The cedar trees that bordered his property always looked so green, lively, and well-structured, a reflection of the care he put into his surroundings.

He enjoyed golfing, hiking, attending church and volunteering there, and the dinners Adam would come over and prepare together with him. His last years were spent living in a new neighbourhood where he made many new friends and lived a richer life than he had at his old house.

Richard always stood tall and strong, you would always feel strength in his presence all the way until just months before he passed away and in his last months he was still hopeful and never afraid.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 10:30 AM, located at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1346 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC.

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