Obituary for E. Tony Bliss
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Tony Bliss announces his unexpected passing on Thursday July 30th, 2020 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances at the age of 73.
Tony was born on April 3, 1947 in Fort Frances ON and was the first child for David & Katie Bliss. Tony grew up with his family in Mine Centre ON. Mine Centre had a very special place in his heart, especially Turtle Lake. We know that times weren’t always easy, but we never heard him complain about his younger years. Tony attended school in Mine Centre and attended very briefly both Atikokan and Fort Frances High School’s. High School meant being boarded out because the highway was not built to Fort Frances in those days.
Tony did various jobs before he started his career with CNR in 1965. CNR had him working various places across North Western Ontario. Tony met Louise Smith and they married on January 25, 1969. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2019 and Shane and I were happy to send them off to celebrate in Nashville. Tony and Louise had 2 children, Kimmie Jo & Shane. There wasn’t much my dad wouldn’t do for the 2 of us. Tony loved to be involved with the activities we loved; from hockey to 4-H he was truly our biggest fan. Tony & Louise loved to attend country music festivals and were disappointed this year to miss them. They visited Branson, Las Vegas, Laughlin and Coco Beach and many other great trips within Canada. As many of you know my dad loved Lotto Tickets, “Ticket Tony”! There was nothing that he enjoyed more than selling tickets within our community and was so proud when he was the top seller or better yet, he sold the winning ticket. He believed that one day he would win the 649 or Lotto Max. More recently our parents purchased a camper. Though we worried a bit about them heading off with their camper they always arrived safely back home. Our dad loved hockey and was extremely proud of his ice making skills. He was honored when asked to go and help put ice in – anywhere. He loved the Emo Arena and spent a great deal time there. His last job just may have been his favorite. Prior to breaking his hip last fall while helping to put ice in he was employed with the Township of Chapple. He thoroughly enjoyed this job as the “maintenance man” and really enjoyed the other staff. When he wasn’t working, he was farming. Tony loved to drive the tractor. Every year he would say “well this is my last year of haying” until the next year came and he was right back at it. He baled and cut hay the day before he passed away and threatened to help us with square bales. Though Shane and I thought we were his pride and joy along came Maddie and Marlee. My dad attended things and did things for the girls that he never did with Shane and I. The girls are hockey players and the road running for hockey started all over again. Tony was hard on himself and did have many health issues, but he always seemed to find away to get back on his feet. We tried to encourage him to rest and relax but he wasn’t going to be told what to do. My dad loved our community and took great pride in working and volunteering in it. He loved his coffee friends and still to this day missed Village Variety and would drive by hoping just maybe it would be open once again.
Tony was predeceased by his parents; Katie (1997), David (2013), brother Dave (Buster) (2011), and his only sister Kathy (2019). As well his father in law, Bill (1971) and mother in law Gladys (Nanny) (2015.) Tony is survived by his wife, Louise, daughter Kimmie Jo, Clayton, Damien & Jenna and son, Shane, Char and Madison and Marlee; sister in law Denise, Shannon & Derek Jackson, Beannie & Brent Lowes, brother Rick & Joanne, Todd, Tanis & Vaughn Klingsiek, brother Jim & Linda, Brande & Mike Howard, Brittney & James Aasen, Abraham; brother in law Bob Ralko and nephew Jamie McDonald; Alyssa & Matthew Hall & Jasmine; brother in law Keith & Sadie Smith, Jason & Andrea, Tanya, Kyla & Dale, Krista & Neil, sister in law Carol & Bob Angus, Darren & Stacey Angus; Uncle Robert Bliss & Auntie Frances McKiel of Rainy Crest; as well numerous great nieces and nephews & friends across the District.
An outdoor memorial service will be held Thursday August 6, 2020 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Kim Jo’s Farm. Words of remembrance will take place at 1:30 p.m. Due to the Covid situation social distancing rules will be applied and though it is a time of embracing we will refrain from this. We would encourage you to bring your own chair and mask if you so desire. We realize social events are difficult at this time and you may choose to stay home; please know we understand.
Memorial donations can be made to The Emo Devlin Barwick Minor Hockey Association Box 191 Emo, ON P0W 1E0 or The Riverside Foundation for Emo Health Care projects, 110 Victoria Avenue Fort Frances, ON P9A 2B7.
Tony was born on April 3, 1947 in Fort Frances ON and was the first child for David & Katie Bliss. Tony grew up with his family in Mine Centre ON. Mine Centre had a very special place in his heart, especially Turtle Lake. We know that times weren’t always easy, but we never heard him complain about his younger years. Tony attended school in Mine Centre and attended very briefly both Atikokan and Fort Frances High School’s. High School meant being boarded out because the highway was not built to Fort Frances in those days.
Tony did various jobs before he started his career with CNR in 1965. CNR had him working various places across North Western Ontario. Tony met Louise Smith and they married on January 25, 1969. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2019 and Shane and I were happy to send them off to celebrate in Nashville. Tony and Louise had 2 children, Kimmie Jo & Shane. There wasn’t much my dad wouldn’t do for the 2 of us. Tony loved to be involved with the activities we loved; from hockey to 4-H he was truly our biggest fan. Tony & Louise loved to attend country music festivals and were disappointed this year to miss them. They visited Branson, Las Vegas, Laughlin and Coco Beach and many other great trips within Canada. As many of you know my dad loved Lotto Tickets, “Ticket Tony”! There was nothing that he enjoyed more than selling tickets within our community and was so proud when he was the top seller or better yet, he sold the winning ticket. He believed that one day he would win the 649 or Lotto Max. More recently our parents purchased a camper. Though we worried a bit about them heading off with their camper they always arrived safely back home. Our dad loved hockey and was extremely proud of his ice making skills. He was honored when asked to go and help put ice in – anywhere. He loved the Emo Arena and spent a great deal time there. His last job just may have been his favorite. Prior to breaking his hip last fall while helping to put ice in he was employed with the Township of Chapple. He thoroughly enjoyed this job as the “maintenance man” and really enjoyed the other staff. When he wasn’t working, he was farming. Tony loved to drive the tractor. Every year he would say “well this is my last year of haying” until the next year came and he was right back at it. He baled and cut hay the day before he passed away and threatened to help us with square bales. Though Shane and I thought we were his pride and joy along came Maddie and Marlee. My dad attended things and did things for the girls that he never did with Shane and I. The girls are hockey players and the road running for hockey started all over again. Tony was hard on himself and did have many health issues, but he always seemed to find away to get back on his feet. We tried to encourage him to rest and relax but he wasn’t going to be told what to do. My dad loved our community and took great pride in working and volunteering in it. He loved his coffee friends and still to this day missed Village Variety and would drive by hoping just maybe it would be open once again.
Tony was predeceased by his parents; Katie (1997), David (2013), brother Dave (Buster) (2011), and his only sister Kathy (2019). As well his father in law, Bill (1971) and mother in law Gladys (Nanny) (2015.) Tony is survived by his wife, Louise, daughter Kimmie Jo, Clayton, Damien & Jenna and son, Shane, Char and Madison and Marlee; sister in law Denise, Shannon & Derek Jackson, Beannie & Brent Lowes, brother Rick & Joanne, Todd, Tanis & Vaughn Klingsiek, brother Jim & Linda, Brande & Mike Howard, Brittney & James Aasen, Abraham; brother in law Bob Ralko and nephew Jamie McDonald; Alyssa & Matthew Hall & Jasmine; brother in law Keith & Sadie Smith, Jason & Andrea, Tanya, Kyla & Dale, Krista & Neil, sister in law Carol & Bob Angus, Darren & Stacey Angus; Uncle Robert Bliss & Auntie Frances McKiel of Rainy Crest; as well numerous great nieces and nephews & friends across the District.
An outdoor memorial service will be held Thursday August 6, 2020 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Kim Jo’s Farm. Words of remembrance will take place at 1:30 p.m. Due to the Covid situation social distancing rules will be applied and though it is a time of embracing we will refrain from this. We would encourage you to bring your own chair and mask if you so desire. We realize social events are difficult at this time and you may choose to stay home; please know we understand.
Memorial donations can be made to The Emo Devlin Barwick Minor Hockey Association Box 191 Emo, ON P0W 1E0 or The Riverside Foundation for Emo Health Care projects, 110 Victoria Avenue Fort Frances, ON P9A 2B7.