Anton "Tony" Kiez

            Tony passed away June 1, 2023 at the age of 97. He never liked to disclose his age, but we, the family, know he was blessed to live a lengthy and robust life. Moreover, after losing Emily, his soulmate of 67 years, his will to live diminished. It was the day before he passed, that his son Bob unknowingly drove him one last time to the family farm, and we believe it fulfilled his final accomplishment, and he was ready and at peace to meet his Maker and join Emily.

            Anton was the 6th child of 9, born to Anna & Anton Kiez on August 21, 1925 at the family farm in Oakburn, MB. He attended Bradock country School and High School in Shoal Lake MB.

            Tony tried farming life for a couple of years in Oakburn, but then ventured on to business; first operating a motel and    Restaurant in Canora, Saskatchewan with sister & brother- in-law Tena & Vic, then moved to Vancouver for a year, but returned to Russell in the mid 60’s and purchased SouthSide Service & Restaurant. Additionally, they built a Drive-In on the neighbouring property and named it T & E Drive-In (present day: Connie’s). After managing multiple businesses for years, they sold them all, but before retirement, his final 9 1/2 years of employment was with Manitoba Good Roads.

            Tony had a passion for sports; especially baseball, football & hockey… as long as they were Canadian teams!!! He loved gardening, his John Deere Tractor, Scratch Lotto Tickets, and sneaking off to a secluded forest to sunbathe nude. However, his greatest passion was his love for music. With scarce funds, he picked up his brother Tom’s accordion, and taught himself to play. Eventually, he joined numerous bands and ultimately played for over 75 years. In fact, he was entertaining at a dance at Silver Beach when he met Emily and eventually married her on July 21, 1955. Remarkably, he last played about 8 weeks ago in his Personal Care Home where staff helped seat Tony and placed his accordion on his lap. With feeble fingers, it still gave him great joy to play alongside Frank Keller.

            Tony was pre-deceased by his wife Emily (2022) and Debbie’s partner Del Stadnyk (2021). He is survived by daughter Debbie, son Bob (Gwenda); Grandchildren Danica Hutlet (Bryden, great grandchildren Boden & Holland), brother Ned (Leona) and many family and friends.

The day that Tony passed, Psalm 23 turned up on The Daily Verse of the Day Bible App.  It seems to be a subtle sign of Tony’s peace.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want;

he makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters;

he restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness

for his name sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the

shadow of death,

I fear no evil;

for thou art with me;

thy rod and thy staff,

they comfort me.