Edward Kenneth Goetz of Kincardine, died Saturday, April 14, 2018, at the age of 65. Beloved husband of the late Barbara Dianne Pridham Goetz. Loving father of James Goetz, John (Sarah) Goetz, all of Kincardine, and Steven (Michelle Wyatt) Goetz of Toronto. Missed by his grandchildren Zoe, Avery and Haley Goetz. Remembered by his siblings, Don (Nancy) Goetz and Elizabeth (David) Judge; and brother-in-law, Wayne Pridham, all of London. Predeceased by his parents, Bernard and Irene (née Young) Goetz; and sister-in-law, Connie Pridham. Ed served as an educator for 32 years before retiring in 2010 as principal at St. Anthony's School in Kincardine. He began his career as a teacher at St. Anthony's, and taught everything from Grades 1-8. He went to Mary Immaculate School in Chepstow where he spent a year teaching before becoming principal. From there, he was principal at Holy Family School in Hanover before returning to St. Anthony's in 2005. "It's been an exciting career," he said. "I've enjoyed watching the children grow up. In fact, my first students now have their children going to this school. It's still a small rural community and we don't have the problems they face in the big cities." He said the parents are very supportive and the children are well-behaved and good ambassadors of their school and the community. The one main change at St. Anthony's was the increase in French Immersion students which has presented the challenge of providing that program. Also, in 2010, the emphasis was on assessment, he said. "We want to get a better idea of where we are, academically. Then refine our instruction so we are better meeting the needs of the students." Ed always wanted to be a teacher. In fact, he told his Grade 8 teacher that he was going to become a teacher and kept in touch with her through the years. He became a principal because he wanted to influence instruction and make an impact on a larger number of students. When he retired, he said he would miss the students, particularly those who present a challenge due to behaviour difficulties. "You accept the challenge of bringing them as far as you can and then watch them grow and change and mature. It's exciting to be an effective part of that." But he wouldn't miss the paperwork. "The role of a principal is a very administrative one." Visitation will be held at the Davey-Linklater Funeral Home, Kincardine, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, from 2-4 p.m. And 6-8 p.m., with vigil prayers held at 7:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, Kincardine, Thursday, April 19, 2018, at 11 a.m., with Father Thomas Manninezhath officiating. Final resting place, Kincardine Cemetery. Memorial donations to the Grey Bruce Eat and Learn Nutrition Program would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. |
