Died peacefully after a brief illness, May 12, 2020 at Grand River Hospital, at the age of 88. Dearly missed by his wife of 48 years, Barbara, his two daughters, Elizabeth (Sarish) and Katherine (Noël), and his five grandchildren, Meghan, Maden, Liam, Renée and Felix. Predeceased by his parents Armin and Henrietta Bitzer. Sadly missed by his sister Joan and brother-in-law Lew Bradich, nieces and nephews Tim, David, Janet and Sue, and their families. Also missed by his in-laws in England, Howard and Megan, Margaret and David, and their families.

Paul was born in Toronto but his family returned to Kitchener, and the
Bitzer ancestral property, when he was nine years old. He attended KCI
and then Waterloo College (now WLU) where he was president of the
student body and editor of the Keystone yearbook. After graduation he
continued at Carlton University in public administration for two years and in
1955 began work as a civil servant in the Saskatchewan government of
Tommy Douglas, cementing his lifelong involvement with the NDP and
earlier CCF parties. In 1957 he returned to Ontario and began his career
teaching French which took him north to Thessalon and Dryden, and later
Peterborough (where he and Barbara met) and finally back to Kitchener
where he retired from teaching in 1989.

Paul was a lifelong member of the United Church of Canada, and in his
earlier years was very active in Christian Education work for boys and as a
director of United Church camps. As a member of Trinity United Church in
Kitchener, he served faithfully in Waterloo Presbytery and on the Board of
Governors at St. Paul’s College. He was a dedicated member of the
Canadian Methodist Historical Society, and volunteered extensively with
organizations that focused on human rights and compassionate care.
Following in the footsteps of his grandfather (Conrad Bitzer) and his father,
Paul also served in local politics. Elected as Alderman for the Kitchener
City Council from 1977-79, he was proud of his role in helping to launch the
Centre in the Square.

Always interested in the needs of others, he became closely involved with
many refugee families from Kosovo, acting as sponsor, mentor and
generous financial backer. He developed a special friendship with Valdet
Osdautaj and his family, and we would like to thank them for their
continued interest and support even as his abilities began to decline.
While the onset of Alzheimer's slowly eroded his memory and diminished
his mobility, it did not rob him of his personality or smile. We thank
Sunnyside's Community Alzheimer Program for the support he received
through their weekly gatherings, and all the PSWs who visited him daily.
Their care and compassion was much appreciated.

Paul loved meeting and connecting with people. He delighted in visits to
England and in car trips that took his family all across Canada. His passion
for history, politics and all things British resulted in an impressive book
collection, lovingly gathered from bookshops near and far over the
years. Paul will be remembered for his infectious laugh, his encyclopedic
knowledge, his joy in finding bargains, his love of food (especially forbidden
desserts), his predilection to correct everyone’s grammar, and above all his
pride in his family.

Paul's funeral service will be held on Sunday, May 17 at 2pm. Please join
us via livestream: https://www.henrywalser.com/live-streaming
As expressions of sympathy, donations to Amnesty International Canada or
The United Church of Canada - Mission and Service Fund would be
appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home).