We Remember
HIRTZ, Eric Miche
January 14, 1960 — November 15, 2024
With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Eric Hirtz on November 15, 2024; he was at home with family by his side.
At the age of 14, Eric’s family left his birthplace of Fort St. John, BC to move to Kelowna, BC in the Okanagan valley. It was there, during his Grade 12 year, that fate introduced him to Janine Desautels, the love of his life. Together, they married and built a beautiful family. Eric had an affinity for the great outdoors, where he found joy in fishing, camping, and any adventure that kept him under the open sky. He enjoyed many sports, gravitating especially toward golf and curling. Ever ready with a helping hand, Eric had a knack for fixing or building anything that needed doing. But, whatever he was doing, his true happiness lay in the company of his family and friends.
Eric is survived by his wife of 44 years, Janine; his daughter Sara (Peter) Gulyas and grandchildren, Maison, Lola and Zoë; his daughter Laura (Sandy) Mercer and grandchildren Kira and Jack; and his daughter Renée (Peter) O’Neil and grandchildren Madison and Olivia-Rae. He will also be remembered by his siblings, Neil (Cindy) and Anne, and a large beloved extended family and many close friends. He was predeceased by his loving parents, Ralph (d. 1983) and Myrtle (d. 2009)
Eric’s memory will be forever treasured. He will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice
A Celebration of Life will be held on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2024, at 1:00 PM (PST), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service, a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM:
Service
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2024, at 1:00 PM (PST)
Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME
My sincerely condolences to Janine and all family and friends. I remember a quiet man with a kindness that was felt. I didn’t know him too much but from the many stories over Facebook and at our grad reunion, he was much admired by friends and family. My prayers that the big hole he left is filled with shared special memories and love from his friends and family.
Gary and I are so sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. Condolences to you and your family.
My deepest sympathy. Had many fun times with Eric, there is no word for such a loss😢❤️❤️❤️🙏
I am so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. Losing someone so important is never easy, and our hearts go out to you during this difficult time. Wishing you comfort and peace as you hold onto the memories and love you shared.
Hi Janine .. we are so sorry to hear of Eric’s passing.. our sincerest sympathy to you and your family ..
We remember some fun times with you and Eric….
Marie and I are shocked and saddened to hear of Eric’s passing. Condolences to you and your family
We send our sincere heartfelt condolences to all of you. Big hugs.
Our sincerest sympathy for the family. Lyle has many great memories of Eric with Purolator years back.
More recently, the four of us spent time in Halifax, as well as golfing and playing board games here at home. We will treasure all those times together. We also witnessed his courage and strength as he fought his last battle. He can rest now, and we will keep him and his sly laugh alive in our hearts.
Thinking of you all at this difficult time, sending love and strength xoxo Love Neil, Cindy & Rachel xoxo
We send our heartfelt condolences to the Hirtz and Desautels and Gulyas families at this difficult time…. Our physical life in this world is fleeting..
But the love and inspiration , influence , and wisdom that we leave behind becomes an indelible mark on all , whose
lives we have touched.
Much much love to you all.. and remember that your sweet Eric is in the loving arms of Jesus and oyr Father God…
Deepest condolences to you Janine and your entire family.
Whether fishing or just hanging out, you could not have a better friend.
Eric was one of those friends that rarely crossed your path and I am so grateful to have been able to have him in my life.
Eric would periodically drop by our house on the way back from the landfill after a project he was doing at the house and Leslie and I enjoyed every minute.
Eric would talk fondly about Janine, Sara, Laura and Rene as well as the grandkids.
You be greatly missed and always in my heart buddy.💔
So many memories of past parties together. Eric didn’t speak a whole lot but when he did, it was quite profound and very wise. I regret not spending that much time in the last few years with Eric and Janine. Their families grew so big that we couldn’t get everybody in the house anymore. Lol but the few times we got to see them I always felt very loved and warm in his presence, I love the way he smiled and hugged me. He knew how to show his genuine love. Eric, you are up there now with all sorts of loved ones who have gone before you. Rest in peace and know that your wonderful and lovely wife will be well taken care of by her kids and grandkids and of course, brother and sister and mom and extended family and close friends. ❤️
My dear Sara I am so very sorry to learn of your dad’s passing and I send you and your family my sincere condolences.
I’m so sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. My heart goes out to you Jan and your family.
Eric was a true friend to us and many others. His passing came way too soon. Many condolences and sending lots of prayers and hugs to all the family.
My love and hugs to all of you. I’m so sorry for this sad time in your lives, and broken hearts 💔. Eric will surely be missed. He’s an angel now watching over all of you. Wish I could be there with you, giving my big bear hugs.❤️💕❤️ You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Love you all,
Dea & Andre
Xoxo😘❤️💕❤️🫂🫂🫂❤️💕❤️
The greatest of these is love and what a legacy of love Eric and Jan built together. Love to you Jan, to your girls and their families, and all who are grieving the loss of Eric.
Beautiful celebration of Eric’s life. Loved the stories. Thank you for sharing with us living afar.
My love goes out to you Janine and all the family and close friends. 😢
REST IN PEACE ERIC ❤ Enjoy paradise and all the loved ones there 💝
Hello Janine, Sarah, Renee and Laura,
I wanted to reach out and express my condolences to you all. I was able to watch the beautiful celebration of life for Eric and am sorry that I was not able to attend in person. Sending you much love and I hope to see you all soon.
love Monique
Our sincere condolences to all of the family for your loss. May the peace of God, the love of family, and the fellowship of friends comfort and carry you through your time of bereavement.