Brightside Memories

Rest in peace, Leonard Panek. Leonard was the last of the Brightside Panek's. (Thank you, Dave)

Leonard Panek Obituary - Hamilton, ON Celebrate the life of Leonard Panek, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of Markey-Dermody Funeral Home.

Remembering Bruce DITTRICH

From the Brightside Rambler:
“ ...hello everyone...known to most as Dietch, although his longtime, closest friends called him Big Daddy.....as a youngster Bruce Dittrich grew up on Whitfield Ave, a street that was neither part of the Brightside nor Beach Rd neighbourhoods...at one end of the street was the Quaker City Chemical Company, at the other, the remarkable Holy Rosary School whose graduates still sprinkle the City with their significant achievements...it was at Holy Rosary where Bruce's lifelong connection with Brightside and some of his closest friends, and adventures began...in the late 1940's the school had no telephone and when needed, school officials would occasionally use the neighbouring Dittrich family phone...in return at Christmas, in appreciation the school delivered a framed picture of the Blessed Virgin Mary...the absence of a phone at the school in those days contrasts greatly with today's schools where phones are omnipresent!.....Bruce was a kind, helpful, caring person whose friendship was valued and appreciated...he was never unpleasant...he loved his family and cherished the achievements of his children and grandchildren, and spoke quietly but proudly of their accomplishments...and who knew he had mastered the art of pierogi making!...he was a graduate of the University of Windsor...early in his professional life, before becoming a teacher at Aldershot High School, he spent time as a stockbroker at Richardson's Securities and there began his inveterate fascination with the vagaries of the stock market...in 1961, some of us bought shares in Coin Lake Gold Mines; in 2020, some bought First Quantum and more recently shares of other companies - it's been a long run in the game...his insights were appreciated and he could be counted on to share his views on market winners and others but only when sought.....along the way there were plenty of good times and many memories made...early on Bruce had one of the few cars in his friend group - a blue '57 Studebaker...his key chain included a four inch or so, highly polished, lucky cylinder of wood...Friday's were cruise nights and friends would pile into his Studie for a ride right across the City from Parkdale Ave to the Greystone Inn at Cootes Drive and back - a couple of times!...sometimes adventure included distant places like Gravenhurst's infamous Bala Bay Lodge where stories best just remain as memories...similarly, Bruce's role in the great parking meter caper is a tale best confined to the depths of those present at the time.....Bruce was a fine, gentle, gentleman...may his soul be as content and happy as his life ...later”

OBITUARY
https://www.smithsfh.com/memorials/bruce-dittrich/5646911/index.php
Bruce E. Dittrich Monday, May 27th, 1940 - Tuesday, October 7th, 2025
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Bruce Eric Dittrich, who passed away peacefully on October 7th, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 85. Bruce was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Bruce was the husband of Marlene (Hatzlhoffer), recently celebrating 62 years of life and love together. Bruce and Marlene’s marriage is an inspiring story of love and thoughtfulness, filled with laughter and support. Together, they created a family and home built on unconditional love, support, and acceptance.
Bruce was deeply proud of his three children, Gregory, Melanie and Pamela. He also had a special relationship with his son-in-law Kevin. He will be missed dearly by his brother-in-law Marty (Lynne) Hatzlhoffer. He will be remembered by his nieces and nephews Larry, Kathy, Bryan, Nancy, Evan (Noelle), Derek, and Cale, dear friend Vario Giandomenico, and other extended family members and friends.
Bruce was predeceased by his parents Lawrence and Angela Dittrich and his brother Gerald (late Jane).
As a grandfather, Bruce was immensely proud of his grandchildren, Emily, Michael, late Jack and Luke, he showed his support and care towards them all the way through. Bruce always made time to spend with his grandchildren and has left them with many beautiful memories together such as him showing his support at their hockey games, summer days playing outside together and his world-famous homemade pierogies.
Bruce will forever be in our hearts, and his legacy will never be forgotten. The impact on the lives of his family will continue on for generations to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations made to Good Shepherd Centre Hamilton would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Interment will take place at Gate Of Heaven Cemetery, 580 Old York Road in Burlington, on Tuesday, October 14th, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.
Arrangements entrusted to SMITH'S FUNERAL HOME, BURLINGTON, 905-632-3333. www.smithsfh.com