Kitson and Rohmier Fund
(In memory of Archibald Kitson and John and Florence Rohmier)
The Kitson and Rohmier Fund has been established by Mildred Kitson and Family in memory of her husband Archibald (Archie) Kitson and her parents Florence and John Rohmier.
Archibald (Archie) Kitson
Beginning in 1931 at an early age, Archie with his grandfather, Thomas Kitson, operated Kitson's Service Station located at Saskatchewan Avenue and 8th Street N.W. In 1951, Archie accepted the position of service manager with Portage Garage now know as Portage Dodge Chrysler Ltd. Archie had to leave the automotive industry because of failing health. In 1967 he secured employment with the Portage School Division as custodian at the Portage Collegiate Institute. He passed away in 1971 at 54 years of age.
John and Florence Rohmier
In 1933 John and Florence cashed in an insurance policy worth fifty dollars and started the Portage City Bakery in the north end of the city. In 1937 they purchased property at 219 Saskatchewan Avenue East and relocated the bakeshop in the downtown business area. John passed away at the age of 46 in 1947. In 1951 Florence made the decision to close the business. She acquired the position of receptionist at Dr. Keith MacDonald's optometrist office and remained there until her retirement in 1969. She passed away in 1999 at the age of 96.