"David Kuntz emigrated from Wiesbaden Germany to seek a future in Canada in the 1830’s. He chose to settle in the bustling German speaking area of what is today Waterloo County Ontario. In 1844, recognizing an opportunity, he founded a brick-manufacturing enterprise that supplied the rapidly growing region. Never one to miss an opportunity, he turned his beer-brewing hobby into a successful business which ultimately surpassed and replaced the brick-manufacturing enterprise The Kuntz brewery developed into one of the largest in Ontario. In the 1920’s, however, financial challenges caused by prohibition led to the brewery being sold. The free enterprising spirit of the Kuntzes however was not dead. After a period of time spent working for others, Oskar Kuntz started an electroplating business. From its humble beginnings in 1948 Kuntz Electroplating has become one of Kitchener’s premier employers.

In the 1950’s and 1960’s outside the field of business, Bobby Kuntz, Oscar’s son, excelled as an all-star player in the Canadian Football League.

The Kuntz Family has shown vision, entrepreneurial spirit, philanthropic generosity, and leadership.

We recognize the Kuntz Family as outstanding German Pioneers of this region.

I am pleased to introduce Elisabeth Kuntz, who will accept the German Heritage Pioneers Award for 2002 on behalf of the whole family, past and present."