Eric Ratzlaff
May 13, 1934 - March 25, 2014
Tribute
It is with a profound sense of loss that we share the passing of Eric Ratzlaff, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. After an all too brief battle with pancreatic cancer, Eric passed peacefully into the eternal presence of his Lord on March 25th with his wife and daughters by his side. He was predeceased by his parents, Richard & Martha Ratzlaff and two sisters, Edith Leona Ratzlaff and Betty Phillips. He is survived by his loving family, wife of almost 53 years Katie, daughters Catherine, Marcy (Randy), Trish (Laurie) and Carolyn (Jason); grandchildren Caleb, Sarah, Amber, Calvin, Kate, Kelsey and Eliot. Eric lived his Christian faith on a daily basis, modeling his Heavenly Father’s love to those he encountered. Eric found immense fulfillment in his 37 years of teaching and delighted in meeting former students and colleagues. He enjoyed his many walks in the community and around Mill Lake. A memorial celebration will be held at Bakerview M.B. Church on Thursday, April 3rd at 1:30 pm. Thank-you to all those medical professionals who provided care to Eric and his family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) in Eric’s memory.
Condolences
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From: Hank & Edith Hooge and family
Relation: First cousin.
Our sincerest condolences to you, Kay, and your dear family. This is how we remember Eric, not “how he died”, but ” how he LIVED” – he lived his faith to the fullest, and gave of his talents so freely. We will always treasure our conversations with Eric, the sincere interest he showed in ALL of us, and of course, the delicious dinners he cooked & served – especially the salmon – cooked to perfection! Although we will miss him so very much, and grieve his loss with you, we are so THANKFUL that we had him!
From: Kim and Chuck Romig
Relation: LCC SLI
Kay and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Eric’s death. We remember you both so well from SLI in 2004 & 2005. Eric was such a sweet soul and so dedicated to students. Everyone loved him so!!! May many wonderful memories bring you comfort & may Jesus strengthen you for the days ahead! love, Kim and Chuck Romig
From: Amy flint
Relation: Student
My deepest condolences to a wonderful family in memory of a truly wonderful man. I have the fondest memories of Eric from Abby senior and beyond. Blessings 🙂
From: Kim Buckley ( Welton )
Relation: Student of his at Abby Sr in 1986
Mr. Ratzlaff was such a kind and wonderful person. He was definitely one of my favorite teachers ( Western Civ ). I’m sure I was one of his most annoying, chatty, giggly students. I remember bumping into him grocery shopping many many years after I had graduated and he greeted me with a warm smile and was so genuinely interested in how I was getting on with my life. RIP Mr. Ratzlaff
From: Mike O'Donnell
Relation: former student and colleague
He was a FANTASTIC human being and a GREAT educator. I was a student of his in 1981-82 and I never forgot the class he taught.. I would like to say he influenced my decision to become a Social Studies teacher. I am privileged to have known him. The torch is passed, Mr. R – Rest in peace.
From: Colin McKenna
Relation: Former Teacher
To the Ratzlaff family: I wanted to send my condolences to you, as I know you’ve lost a very kind and caring man. Mr. Ratzlaff meant the world to thousands of students over many years. Those of us who were lucky to have known him will celebrate his memory. He will not be forgotten.
From: Diana Ganske Kazakova
Relation: Student
Sending a heart full of condolences to the Ratzlaff family. Mr. Ratzlaff was one of my favourite teaches of all time. He was very supportive of my singing and the arts and really made a difference for all of us lucky enough to be in his classes at Abby Senior. He will not be forgotten. A good teacher makes a lasting impression and he truly did. All the best, Diana
From: Kim Janzen(Rollason)
Relation: teacher/student
RIP Mr Ratzlaff….you will always bee remembered as a wonderful happy teacher…and of course the classical music to study to….you will be missed
From: Terry Stobbart
Relation: former student
Condolences to family and friends. I am a former student of his. So sad to hear this news. He was a great teacher and inspiring to many students. Peace and courage to his family as they grieve.
From: Maureen Deane
Relation: Former Student
Im deeply saddened by the passing of Mr.Ratzlaff’s passing.I have never forgotten him.Had him for 2 classes in Grade 12.What I remember most is we would often talk as we were both walking to school in the mornings.He will be missed.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
April 3, 2014
Beginning at 1:30pm
Location:
Bakerview M.B. Church
2285 Clearbrook Rd
Abbotsford, BC Canada
2285 Clearbrook Rd
Abbotsford, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered directly through our supplier for delivery throughout the entire lower mainland, from Hope to Vancouver:
Wiebe & Jeske Funeral Home
202-31314 Peardonville Rd.
Abbotsford BC
V2T 6K8
info@wiebeandjeskefh.com
604-859-5885
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the address/phone number of the delivery location for handy reference.
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