Our beloved BRIAN DALE RITZ was taken "Home" on October 28th, 2013, surrounded by his wife Debbi, his children Mike and Brandy, and loved ones. Besides his loving wife, he is survived by his son Michael (Esther) Ritz, his daughter Brandalyn (Christopher) Van Der Leest, and his grandchildren Zachary, Levi, and Joel Ritz, and Logan and Dylan Van Der Leest. He is also remembered by his parents Elmer and Joyce Ritz, mother-in-law Helen Gillrie, as well as many loving brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. Brian was predeceased by his loving granddaughter Kaitlyn Ritz, brothers-in-law Randy, Lawrence, and Doug Gillrie, father-in-law George Gillrie and baby brother Micky Ritz. Brian was born in Trochu, AB. on August 30, 1954. He was good buddies with Debbi's brothers and they encouraged them to start dating in 1974. They were married on May 6, 1978 and lived in Calgary for another 5 years where their two children were born. During those years, Brian was a framing/finishing carpenter. In 1983 they moved to Iron Springs, AB where Brian began his career with the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District where he remained until his passing. Brian loved his job and loved all his farmers! Some of his hobbies included waterskiing, fishing, woodwork, and hunting. Brian coached soccer for the Iron Springs Coulee Kickers for many years as well as mini-basketball. His passion was gardening as anyone that ever visited the acreage in Iron Springs would attest to. Brian loved his bonfires, biking and dancing with Debbi, precious time and sleepovers with his grandchildren Zachary, Levi, and Joel Ritz, Logan and Dylan Vanderleest. Family and friends that he loved will always remember Brian for his infectious laugh, his hugs, his big heart and of course, his mischievous teasing. Brian's life was "Hugs and Laughter and Love". Michael and Brandalyn would say that their dad's final advice would be "Laugh till it hurts" A Celebration of Life will be held at McKILLOP UNITED CHURCH 2329-15th Ave. South, Lethbridge on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 11:00 AM with Reverend Trevor Potter officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Brian's memory to St Michael's Health Centre, Palliative Care Unit 1400 9th Ave S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4V5 Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca