John Francis Goltz
March-19-1939 - December-15-2020
Loading...
J
Jim Martin posted a condolence
Friday, March 31, 2023
I knew John for too short a period of time between the mid to late 80s & the early 2000s. He was a prince of a man who treated me with kindness & decency from the get go. I can remember thinking at our first meeting of what a great & gentle giant he was ….a man to be admired for his humility & humanity. I likewise knew his mother, Edna, twin sister Joyce & older sister Phylis. They were all cut from the same cloth, humble, kind and non judgemental. What a great way to live life!
John’s kind demeanour obviously rubbed off or was inherited by his immediate family. From his wife to his children; all awesome and welcoming. T’was my pleasure to have known all of you and my sincere and deepest condolences to each of you.
The condolence posted by Mr. Cochrane was a very telling truth of how John also impressed me. Mr Cochrane hit the nail directly on the head. Excellently written & so very descriptive of the gentle, smiling man I remember well.
RIP John. You have truly earned it. The world needs more men of your ilk, and of the fabric that I have seen in the 3 generations of the Goltz family that I once knew. Salut my friend!
Jim Martin
A
Anne miskelly posted a condolence
Sunday, January 3, 2021
Dear Freddie and family , our condolences to you and all the family during these difficult times ....
Love Steven and Anne Miskelly ( Jason’s mom and dad )
M
Muriel Goltz Cairns posted a condolence
Sunday, January 3, 2021
Condolences from a Goltz relative in Bracebridge , Muskoka ........I am a granddaugher of the Herman/Barbara Goltz family. While I did not know John, I send sympathy to the family . Perhaps I met John at a reunion held at the original Goltz farm and I did know his sister Phyliss......Reading his obituary and the tribute from people on here, I can see what a wonderful man he was....keep your memories ....Muriel Goltz Cairns
E
Edmund Rockburne posted a condolence
Saturday, December 26, 2020
Dear Shawna, Sierra, and Karson and the Goltz family.
Our deepest sympathies at the loss of your beloved Father. Love and Hugs Ed and Marlene Rockburne and Amanda.
P
Peter & Rae Ann Cochrane posted a condolence
Thursday, December 24, 2020
At the age of 81, John Francis Goltz was in the prime of his life, in his profession, as the devoted family patriarch, and as an unpaid home & cottage handyman. John always needed to keep busy. Aided by his prodigious memory, John possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of the structure and practice of his profession. It seemed John could remember the name of practically every client he had worked for and the location their property. Interestingly, he had difficulty remembering doctor’s appointments and where he had left that file he had been working on yesterday. In his brain there was a huge repository of information on many other subjects that interested him. For instance, if you wanted to change the topic from surveying, just mention Hockey or the American Civil War.
I started working for John in the summer of 1978. That’s 42 years ago. A great deal of the time we spent together consisted of the two of us hunched over a table littered with plans and notes discussing the implications of case law, priority of title, or riparian boundaries, quarter session roads or other such arcane issues. John was a wonderful teacher, with an infectious enthusiasm and deep understanding of his chosen profession coupled with the ability to use each discussion as an opportunity to illustrate or reinforce a particular concept, whether it was geometry, property law, client relations, etc. (I have to admit that he lost me at spherical trigonometry however.) John operated this way with everyone, his staff, his colleges, other professions and clients. He never talked down to people but rather was engaging and respectful.
Back around 1980 we were a very small company, only one crew. John hired a middle-aged fellow so that between us we could run a second crew. This fellow was pleasant and old enough to have some common sense, but on the weekends he tended to drink heavily. One Monday he was a no-show and this continued for two weeks without explanation. When this fellow finally returned I was astounded that John took him on again as if nothing had happened. When I asked why he hadn’t been fired, John’s only reply was “You don’t kick a man when he is down”. That simple act and phrase has stuck with me for 40 years.
Now, in spite of the fact that most of our time together was spent in the office, many of my most cherished memories are from those earlier days surveying in the field with John. And I am realizing now that most of these memories took place in the winter. The winter could be a very slow time, with only enough work for John and one other. For some reason I was often that one other. I think John enjoyed the simplicity and the mix of activity of those slow times, although it must have been worrisome with a household of 7 to support. But getting out into the countryside, away from the bills and telephone seemed to be a welcome change for him.
One incident that I remember fondly, because we survived, was a survey of a large bush lot on the wrong side of the Mississippi River. Access to the job involved a long hike through the snow with all our gear. I suggested that instead, we could take a short hop across the river in my canoe. The river being open because of the rapids just upstream, and downstream of an easy access point. We hadn’t counted on the shelf ice along the shores being so thick but after whacking at the ice with our paddles we managed to get the canoe in the water, loaded up and shoved off into the fast moving water. John had taken the bow and as we paddled across John said “I hope you know what you are doing back there. This is the first time I’ve been in a canoe without a motor”. I was beginning to have second thoughts about my brilliant idea as we were being swept sideways towards the rapids. Nothing like the thought of capsizing in freezing water to focus one’s attention on the task at hand. Sensing the situation, John attacked the shelf ice blocking our landing spot with considerable urgency and we landed safe and sound according to plan.
Speaking of near misses, I recall a winter day with John deep in the bush near Joes Lake. We were standing perhaps 15 feet apart when a huge widow maker, a very heavy branch, suddenly fell from great height between us, just grazing John’s cheek and arm. It was a very close call that gave us both pause.
They say that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. As a case in point, I recall being out surveying along Rosedale Road with John one very cold and windy day. Apparently, his long johns had been left at home and after a short while he was pretty uncomfortable. Ever resourceful, John rummaged around in the truck and pulled on a pair of hip waders to cut the wind. It looked to me that the waders were a size medium, while John was a large. He managed to waddle around like a giant mutant penguin for a bit before meeting his match attempting to climb over a page wire fence. There was an awkward moment when the low slung wader caught on the fence with John flapping his arms attempting to balance, or perhaps trying to levitate, before gravity took over and John toppled over with one foot and half of the wader caught in the fence. We packed it in shortly after that.
Retracing old surveys was one of John’s passions. Most of this area’s survey fabric was originally laid out between 1816 and 1860, with lines marked by blazes on trees and corners marked with wood posts. With at least 120 years having gone by, the chances finding of any trace of those old surveys is very remote. You are seldom 100% sure that you have it exactly right. I recall running a concession line north of Palmerston Lake with John. We had previously found a roadbed and fence corner that seemed to fit for the concession and we proceeded to cut out a trial line westerly. As we progressed the topography fit the old notes well and as we neared the location of the next corner, which was said to be on the edge of a marsh, sure enough, we came out to a marsh. Except, this marsh was now a beaver pond. The ice had just melted but John was undeterred. He waded into the freezing water past his knees and measured the final distance. Then he rolled up his right sleeve and fished around in the muck and weeds, finally pulling out the squared cedar post that had been waiting for him to find it since 1860. With a huge grin he held that old slimy piece of wood aloft in victory, as if he had just found the Hope Diamond, or won the Stanley Cup!
It is a sad fact that is easy to take many things for granted in the business of our daily lives.
John left work December 15 as he had thousands of times before, after a pleasant chat with several of us before heading out the door. “See you tomorrow John” were our parting words.
It has been my great good fortune to spend these many years in John’s company, to learn and work with him, to share in triumphs and tragedies, and benefit from the many, many kindnesses that he and his family had extended to my family over the years. Those of us who are lucky enough to have such a mentor and friend in their lives are the lucky ones indeed.
This is a cruel end to a difficult year. To Colleen, Shawna, Derek, Freddie, Shannon, Johnny and that great host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews you should know that there is a large community of folks out there whose lives have also been touched by John’s energy, integrity and generosity. John was a true gentleman and a treasure. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all of us.
Peter Cochrane & Rae Ann Prosser-Cochrane
B
Bob Strachan posted a condolence
Thursday, December 24, 2020
Very sorry to hear of John’s sudden passing and we wish to express our deepest sympathies to all the family. Many fond memories over the years both professionally and around town with sports and kids. He will be a great loss to the surveying community as he was the best of the field.
Bob Strachan
S
Steve Darou posted a condolence
Thursday, December 24, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with Freddie and the entire Goltz family. John was a wonderful man and the definition of a genuine and decent human being. John and family were very good to me throughout my childhood and great family friends. Rest in peace in paradise John!
Take care, Steve Darou
L
Linda Anderson posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Shannon and family,
My condolences to you all. I have many fond memories of John coming into Foodsmiths when I worked there; always ready with a friendly hello, and a story for me when he came through my cash. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
D
Duane and Julie Francis posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Such a kind and generous man. Gone to soon but what an impact he had on so many.
Warmest thoughts and prayers to the Goltz family and all those who love him.
With love,
Duane, Julie, Connor, Cole and Carson Francis
T
Todd Perry posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
My deepest sympathies to the family. From the first day I met John many years ago, the word that always resonates when speaking of him is "Gentleman". John always took the time to stop and listen, occasionally offering his perspective regardless of the topic. His depth of knowledge in his craft was unparalleled. I was proud to have called him a co-worker and a friend. He will be missed.
T
Tamsen Tillson uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
/public-file/659/Ultra/87371eb5-f84d-4504-bce7-cf27c2289a17.jpg
I always enjoyed visiting with John. Our conversations were invariably lively and thought-provoking. He made Kismet and me feel loved and accepted within the Goltz family. Every time I saw him after Phyllis passed, him he expressed gratitude that Kismet read to her in the hospital. I am grateful also to have attended John's 80th birthday celebration. You have a wonderful family. We send our condolences to all of you.
G
Graham E Lancaster posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
What a wonderful man. I only knew John for a short time, but he touched me deeply, as he did many by his wisdom, thoughtfulness, and compassion. He will be missed.
Thank you John. My deepest sympathies to the family during this difficult time.
Graham Lancaster
A
Andy Shelp posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
John was a fantastic and genuine person, and most likely one of the smartest people I've met. We can all aspire to be a little more like John. He will be truly missed.
Andy Shelp
M
Mark Priddle posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
My sincere condolences to John's extended family. I had the pleasure of working with John for the past 13 years. He was a fine man in many respects, beyond his surveying skills; his traits that I appreciated were wisdom, caring and dedication. We share many a good chat about history, political correctness, family and project execution. He will be greatly missed at McIntosh Perry.
M
Mary Foss posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
My deepest condolences. I had the pleasure of working with John for over 25 years. He was an extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his work. I feel honoured to have called him a friend. He was a true gentleman and will be truly missed.
Mary Foss
M
Mark Snider posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
It was an absolute pleasure working with John. He was passionate about his work as a land surveyor, and always available to help. My deepest condolences to John's family. He will be missed.
C
Chris McShane posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
My deepest sympathy to John's family
M
Michael & Jayne Umpherson posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Our condolences and sympathy to John's family.
B
Bill, Doris, Steve Uhrayn posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Our deepest sympathy to Colleen and all the family from the Uhrayns.
T
Tracy Deforge posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
So sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to your whole family, Shawna !
M
Madeleine & Roger posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Our heartfelt condolences. John was a nice man.
Fondly remembered.
Madeleine & Roger Desormeaux
S
Saeid sedaghat uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
/public-file/658/Ultra/04ccd4d7-e56c-4989-9a9e-049dbeda7bb0.jpg
I am so sorry to hear of John's death. John was a highly valuable and respected member of AOLS, a wonderful mentor, and surveyor, who dedicated his life to the surveying profession.
Undoubtedly, he was one of the most brilliant and intelligent people that I have ever seen in my life, in my opinion he was a surveying encyclopedia. I am going to miss your stories about Water boundaries, Township surveys, …
He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time
L
Leo A.M. King posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
My most sincere sympathy to Collene and family, and to all those whose lives were touched by John. He was a big part of Annis O'Sullivan and Goltz during my interview for employment back in July of 1973. Through out the next few years with the firm, his gentleness, his understanding, his patience and most of all, his love of surveying, has made him a part of me and what I've become as a person. Thanks be to God for having John cross my path of life. He will not be forgotten.
B
Brenda Cavers posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
I was very sorry to hear of John's sudden death. He was a thoughtful friendly neighbour and I will miss his presence around our building.
B
Bill Doyle posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Very sorry to hear about John.Having taught many in the family at St John’s I had some great conversations about how interested and proud he was of his family ... and rightly so .
John used to come over and help when I was flooding or shovelling the rink in the school yard.Of course we talked about hockey but we shared many many other stories and had some good laughs.John, like his children,was very friendly and very interesting and I often think about the Goltz family.My thoughts and prayers are especially with you at this difficult time.
R
Rick Litle posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
I worked for John approx.50 years ago at the Region Gov’t. More recently I have bumped into him in Perth.
I am so sorry for the families loss.
Rick Litle
J
John and Beth Ferrier posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
John and I are shocked to hear this....We so enjoyed all the times we had conversations with John, and Colleen. He will be missed.......RIP dear John, and family take care....
D
Don and Sharon Bell posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Over the course of our years farming we were blessed to have Mr. Goltz handle surveying for three different properties. Mr. Goltz was a gentleman who truly was a wonderful example of integrity, commitment, and respect for his clients. We were deeply saddened to learn of his passing, and wish to extend our sincere condolences to all members of the Goltz family.
Don and Sharon Bell
B
Bill & Judy Brady posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Sorry for your loss. John was a wonderful, kind man. He will be missed.
P
Paul Martin posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
A true gentleman. Always eager to talk about the Ottawa Senators and hockey generally.
Will be missed professionally as the best land surveyor in the area for many many years.
S
Sherrie Seward posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Sending my condolences and love to you and your family, Shannon. Your friends at Solace are all thinking of you. Please tell your mom that I send her a big virtual hug.
d
debbie-noonan@on.aibn.com posted a condolence
Monday, December 21, 2020
Dear Colleen and family. I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Debbie Noonan Lamping
L
Laurie and Marilyn Manson posted a condolence
Monday, December 21, 2020
Deepest sympathy to the entire Goltz family. Colleen we will be thinking of you and please know our prayers are with you. Hugs, Laurie and Marilyn Manson
G
The family of John Francis Goltz uploaded a photo
Monday, December 21, 2020
/tribute-images/cropped/436/John-Goltz.jpg
Please wait
