May 28, 2021
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Bill Putzer quietly took his leave on May 26, 2021 with sister Heidi by his side.

Bill was a farm boy — well-respected and well-regarded by many and true to his beliefs. To Bill, family and friends were paramount. He cared for his parents (Maria who passed Nov. 27, 2017, and John who passed Dec. 25, 2015) devotedly for 15 years, extending both their lives.

Together with his parents, Bill established M. Putzer Hornby Nursery Ltd. — a producer of some of the finest nursery stock in southern Ontario. Over the years, Bill’s trees have found permanent homes throughout Canada, the United States, Denmark, Ukraine and mainland China.

Bill was a quiet leader and his co-workers excelled under his mentorship and guidance. He was a very good man to work with and for. He always had a smile and a warm and gentle presence. You could always count on him to listen, to be calm, respectful, and to be kind. Bill was touched by the efforts of his workers to take the nursery through the spring rush while he lay in the hospital. Bill valued the magnitude of the gift they gave him.

Bill was a scuba diver and loved exploring the world under the sea. He travelled to many unique places: Yap. Palau, Papua New Guinea, The Caribbean, Rotan, Cocos Island, and many other places around the world. Bill was equally at home with people from all walks of life. Bill was no stranger to adversity; he faced many challenges and faced them all with dignity and honor right to the very end.

Gone before him were his beloved parents; Maria Ottilie Putzer (nee Etzel) on Nov. 27, 2017 and his father John Hans Putzer on Dec. 25, 2015. Bill leaves behind his sister Heidi, brother-in-law Leno Mori and nephews Owen and Connor Mori. Bill is survived by his uncle Walter and Aunt Marianne Putzer, his Aunt Yvonne, widow of the late Paul Putzer and his aunt Gemma Knoll of Salzburg, Austria.

Bill’s loving gentle presence will be deeply missed. May he rest in peace.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Donations in memory of Bill may be made to Food for Life, Burlington, Ont., or to a charity of your choice.

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