Obituary of Bitz O'Riordan

Fredrick "Bitz" Joseph O'Riordan beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away peacefully on December 13, 2011 at St. Mary's hospital at the age of 87. Fred was born on January 2, 1924 to Fred and Mary O'Riordan in Camrose, AB. Fred meet Dorothy Lewis in Camrose, later were wed June 11, 1955, and were blessed with six children. Fred is survived by his children Fred (Dominique) and their children Remy, Rhiannon, Shea, and Cody; Mike; Kerry (Stu) and child Jessie; Debra (James) and their children Desiree, Derick, and Amanda; Bob (Anne); Tracey (Jim) and their children Kaleb, Taylor, Kristen; and three great grandchildren; Trinity, Sawyer, and Dawson. He is also survived by brothers Paul (Marion) and Jim (Bev); sisters Anne McGuiness, Aileen O'Riordan, and Marie McKinnon. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Tom, Bob, and Pat; and sister Rita. Fred started with a strong work ethic at a early age working with the Shermak Brothers hauling coal, when asked how much he wanted to be paid he would respond two bits- hence his nickname Bitz which many knew him by. As time passed by he would inherit many other nicknames e.g., Candy man, Pops, Old man, Papa Bitz, Grandpa Bitz, and some that us kids have never heard of. Bitz quickly gave nicknames for kids like farmer or tiger. Bitz has been in the Camrose transportation industry all his life starting with the Shermack Brothers to working with his brother Bob. In 1940, Bitz and John Keen started a business called Camrose Transfer. In 1957 Bitz, his brother Tom and Vern Kruse founded Hi-Way 13 Transport. Vern sold out in 1960 and the brothers carried on together until Tom passed away in the 1990's. Hi-Way 13 is now being run by four of his children. The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to Tilly Shillington for all her love, friendship, and support towards our father. A prayer vigil was held on Friday, December 16, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. from St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. from St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Don Stein as Celebrant. Interment followed in the Camrose Cemetery. If friends so desire memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to Camrose Centra Cam, or a charity of one's choice.