Daniel Walter Bitz passed away in the sleeper of his truck in Kamloops on February 23, 2005 at the age of 40. He was born in Chilliwack, B.C. on February 20, 1965.
Daniel is survived by his wife Sherry Casey-Bitz and two cherished, loved and adored sons; Dylan and Landon, step-children Tyler Maartmann of Vancouver, Lauren (Vandevelde) & Greg Miller of Pennsylvania, and Kyle and Calum Casey of Chilliwack, and Step-grandson, Gabriel Miller of Pennsylvania and his parents Sharon and Norm Chambers of Chilliwack and Walter and Connie Bitz of Kamloops, sisters Stacey (Chambers) and Alistair Hough of Yeovil, England, Cherie Bitz of Kamloops, brothers Michael Chambers of Chilliwack and Troy Bitz of 100 Mile house, his ex-wife Carrie Bitz of Chilliwack, aunts and uncles: Art and Loretta Peters of Chilliwack, Jim Barrett of Chilliwack, Charmain Farrow of Victoria, Annette and Steve Dubin of Victoria, Earl Bitz of Victoria, Leo and Lorna Bitz of Calgary and Kathy and Gerry Nagel of Kamloops, cousins Bob Barrett, Ron Peters, Wesley Peters, Cheryl Sheremeto and many, many, many Bitz cousins. He also leaves behind to mourn his passing many life long friends too numerous to mention and his golden retriever, Bruce.
He was predeceased by his grandparents May and Alexander Peters and Marie and Leo Bitz and an aunt, Hazel Barrett.
Daniel liked to spend time with his boys Dylan, Landon, Kyle and Calum playing video games. They were the light of his life and his pride and joy. Along with his brother Michael, they dreamed of buying a large piece of land, building an ice rink and homes for all his family so we could all be a family close together. As a young lad he played minor hockey and he like to ride motor bikes with his cousins.
He was a professional truck driver with 15 years experience driving to Kelowna and back every night, at times very quickly, without ever having an accident. He won awards for his driving expertise. He was an excellent host to all his friends and prided himself with his baking and cooking for his family. He became skilled at growing the best cherry tomatoes and he loved flowers.
In school he earned the title of “class clown” much to his mother’s dislike who had to make several trips to visit the principal but when remembering him it will be his sense of humour and quick wit that we will treasure for the rest of our days. His pride and joy was his being at home with Sherry and the boys with the sound of sports or video games and the pitter patter of baby Landon running up and down the hall all made sound of a loving home.
From your trucking buddies: “May the wings of your truck, carry you through the skies forever”.
A Service of Remembrance will be held on Wednesday, March 2, 2005 at 2:00 pm from the Chapel of Henderson’s Funeral Home with Rev. Doug Ireland officiating. Cremation.