1924 ~ ORTT ~ 2014

Albert William Gordon “Bill” Ortt of Medicine Hat passed away on March 8th, 2014 at the age of 89 years leaving his darling wife, “Freddie”; his three children, Bonnie (Dave) Bertsch, Richard, and Terry; his seven grandchildren, Brent, Darren, Krystal, Michelle, Monica, Nicolle and Richard Jr., five great-grandchildren, Winter, Ava, Miarah, Grace, and Wrenn; his brother, Frank; his sister, Marge; and many nieces, nephews and friends to remember him. Bill was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Carl, George, and John; and numerous close brothers and sisters-in-law and cousins. Born in Grenfell, Saskatchewan on April 11th, 1924 to John and Mary Ortt, Bill grew up on the family farm North of Grenfell working hard and playing hockey and softball with his brothers, cousins, and neighbours and skiing down the Qu’Appelle Valley on homemade skis. After working at the Atlas Steel plant in Welland, Ontario to support the WWII war effort, Bill met, fell in love with and married “Freddie” Unverricht with whom he spent the last 67 years of his life. After their marriage the couple farmed together, first North and later South of Grenfell. Bill was an excellent farmer and was very proud of his line of “green” equipment. In 1988, Bill and Freddie retired to Medicine Hat to be near Bonnie and Dave and family. Bill was an avid sportsman and retirement gave him more time to watch his favourite teams, the Blue Jays and Maple Leafs. He and Freddie spent much of their time on the golf course where they made and enjoyed the company of many new friends. They continued their faith journey at St. Paul Lutheran Church where many more new friends were made and much fun was had! New neighbors also played an important role in their retirement life. For many years the couple wintered in Barbados golfing, swimming, gardening and generally enjoying their escape from the cold Canadian winters while he honed his skills at Cribbage and Bridge. Bill’s tenacity and faith in God got him through a 25-year battle with cancer and osteoarthritis. His love for Freddie only grew as she declined due to Alzheimer’s disease. Our thanks to the Staff at the Good Samaritan Society for the compassionate care provided at the end. A Graveside Service will be held at the Grenfell Cemetery, Grenfell, Saskatchewan, at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12th, 2014 with coffee and visiting to follow at Peace Lutheran Church. A Celebration of Life will be held in Medicine Hat on April 12th, 2014. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 515 Sprague Way SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4A7, or to Peace Lutheran Church, 816 Anderson Street, Grenfell, Saskatchewan, S0G 2B0, or to the Good Samaritan Society, 550 Spruce Way SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4P1. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Bill Ortt. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599