Date of Birth: June 9, 1935
Date of Death: September 22, 2021
Arthur Helmuth Dietz was born on June 9, 1935, to Henry and Dorothea Dietz of Melville, SK. He went to Melville View School and farmed with his dad and brothers.
Over the years, Art spent many winters in Chilliwack, BC, with his brother Sig and family or in The Pas, MB, and Sioux Lookout, ON, with the Daunheimer family, where he also did odd jobs for others. When in Melville, he learned the trade of locksmithing by helping at JB Locksmith.
Later in life, Art was very active in the rink with the Melville Millionaires. He had a passion for sharpening skates and could also be found at the rink for many other hockey, figure skating and speed skating events. The sporting community was a big part of his life. He enjoyed being at the ice rink in the winter and the ball park in the summer.
Whenever a volunteer was needed, you were sure to find Art there, whether it was helping out at community celebrations, trade shows, Melville Agri-Park or church functions. He enjoyed helping others and being around people.
Art also loved nature, birds, animals, fishing, camping and family. Family reunions and gatherings were very important to him. He was usually the first to arrive and the last to leave. There was always laughter from the minute Art got there, usually due to some funny comment he would make or something he would do. He was a gentle man who had a special place in his heart for all of his nieces and nephews.
Art was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Dorothea Dietz; brother Sig and wife Adeline; sister Margaret and husband Ernie Hahn; sister-in-law Doreen Dietz; brother-in-law Fred Daunheimer; nephews Raymond Hahn and Darcy Dietz; and great-nephew Calvin Mann. He leaves to cherish his memory: his brothers, Henry, Charles (Doris) and Paul Dietz; his sisters, Trudy (Herb) Mann and Ruth Daunheimer; his many beloved nieces and nephews, great-nieces and -nephews and also great-great-nieces and -nephews, whom he loved as if they were his own children (some of them thought of him as another grandpa); he also leaves his beloved hockey community and many friends.
Art’s funeral service was held Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Melville, with the Rev. Ronald Shumba officiating. The organist, Marilyn Senyk, led in the hymns, “Amazing Grace”, “Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me” and “Blessed Assurance”. Interment took place in the Melville City Cemetery with Rob Mann acting as urn bearer.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
