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: The Alan Hougen Family
Relation: Relationship - How did you know the deceased?
Our deepest sympathy to the Ratzlaff family. Eric was a wonderful, positive and delightful person. He was a favourite teacher of Mark and Kirsten at Abby Senior. I enjoyed worked with him on the planning and organizing of many Graduations at Abby Senior. Eric gave freely of his time as a volunteer and will be greatly missed. But he will be fondly remembered by his many students as the “Best”!!
From: Kristan Cooper (Greenan)
Relation: Former student
Mr. Ratzlaff was the kindest and most motivating teacher I have ever come across. I always felt so validated in his classroom and he seemed to see something positive in every person and situation he encountered. He will truly be missed and I count myself lucky to have known him. Condolences to his family.
From: Joanne Macpherson
Relation: teacher and friend's dad
A gentle and wonderful man who is remembered by his presence walking around mill lake…smiling at everyone and just being present in this world I’m such a loving way.
From: Johnny van den Berg
Relation: My Teacher
He was an inspiration to us all. He never seemed to be in a bad mood. Always had a kind word for you. Energy to walk every where. He was amazing!
From: Mike Milne
Relation: My teacher @ Abby Sr. -89
condolences to the Ratzlaff family; as a teacher you were the best, when I came back to Abby from various places across the globe you were out walking as I was running around town, always quick to say hello and catch up on your way somewhere else…. and even after 20 years on and gone from Abby Sr. you always remembered me by name… for the amount of kids you taught = a feat in itself….. wishing I could come to your ceremony …. thanks for a dedicated life of service to the community and its youth…
From: Lois (Enns) Klassen
Relation: former student
Dear Kay and family, I was sad to learn that Eric had died. He never missed an opportunity to say a kind word or to encourage me whenever we met and I know he did the same for all of his former students. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
From: Chuck & Christine Wiebe
Relation: Cousin and dear friend.
Dear Katie and Family; our family is deeply sorry for your loss. Eric has left behind a beautiful legacy with everyone his life touched. We will fondly remember him as a thoughtful, well spoken and a very respectable man. May he rest in peace.
From: George Keys
Relation: Former student & teaching colleague
Eric was one of the most inspirational and positive teachers I have ever met. He was my teacher in grades six and nine. Later, we were teaching colleagues at Abby Senior. I gave a speech at his retirement and he at mine. He not only created a lifelong interest in books and reading in me as a twelve year old boy but most importantly, later he taught me that pervasive caring was the foundation of effective teaching. I am only one of many lives Eric touched in profound and positive ways. I will miss him.
I will am unable to attend his memorial service but be assured that I will be thinking of Eric and the entire family during this difficult time.
From: Rachelle Borries
Relation: Teacher
I had Mr. Ratzlaff as a teacher over 15 years ago. He was the sweetest teacher with such a caring heart. May your family find comfort at this time. Blessings.
From: Norman and Pat Frers
Relation: Friend
Our thoughts and prayers to Kay and the family.
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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