Fairview Evergreen Nurseries, Inc. lost a respected leader and true nurseryman this winter when Ted Hetz passed away in January 2006 following a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Teddy Paul Hetz was born June 4, 1939, in Fairview, a son of the late A.Leroy and Geraldine Elwinger Hetz. Ted was the grandson of the late Frank C. Hetz, founder of Fairview Evergreen Nurseries, Inc. He was a 1957 graduate of Fairview High School and was a member of the Fairview United Methodist Church. He had worked in the family business as a little boy and would continue to do so all his life, with honor and distinction. Ted served at various points throughout his nursery career as general manager, vice-president of production, farm manager, and chairman of the board of directors. He retired from Fairview Evergreen at the end of 2004. Ted also served on the planning authority for Fairview Township for many years. He was involved in the local snowmobile club, Indian Guides, and had coached Little League baseball. He enjoyed playing cards, golf, fishing, hunting, and camping. He was an avid outdoorsman, and loved spending time at his camp “Bigfoot”. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son, Teddy Jon (T.J.) Hetz in 1987. Ted is survived by his wife of 46 years, Shirley Mantz Hetz. He is also survived by two sons who are active shareholder-employees at Fairview Evergreen Nurseries: Christopher L. Hetz and his wife Victoria, and Timothy P. Hetz and his wife Leslie; a brother, Robert L. Hetz (FEN retired), and a sister, Mary Lou McDonald; three grandchildren: Kelly, William, and Rebecca Hetz; and many other relatives including those within the Fairview Evergreen Nurseries family. Friends wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider one of the charities chosen by Ted and his family: Fairview United Methodist Church, 4601 Avonia Road, Fairview, PA 16415. Great Lakes Hospice, 1527 Sassafras St., Erie, PA 16502. The Regional Cancer Center, 2500 W. 12th St., Erie, PA 16505. Ted Hetz was a true nurseryman, and he made countless life-long friends during the course of his accomplished career in our wonderful green industry. We will miss Ted greatly, but the indelible mark he has left upon our family and our nursery will serve as a constant reminder of a life well lived. HOME