From: Mark Hougen
Relation: Fortunate former student

Mr Ratzlaff was the rarest of teachers, one who could educate, create interest, motivate you to want to learn more and engage otherwise distracted grade 12 students. I had the good fortune to have Mr Ratzlaff for grade 12 History in 1981-82. His energy and love of the subject material was infectious and motivating. He was a great example of an educator who propelled his students into the future, desiring to learn more and to grow into adults he would have been proud of. If you were lucky enough, like I was, to have encountered him in the years after graduating, he expressed an amazing memory to recall my name and alot of details about me and my class. He accepted my profound appreciation and gratitude for his excellent teaching style, but I think he really just considered it to be the only way to deliver on his self imposed goal of excellence. He was just that way. An excellent man who did excellent work in a profession he loved. And he made a difference. Now that, Mr Ratzlaff, was an excellent life lived.

From: Shaheen Shivji
Relation: High School Teacher

Mr. Ratzlaff was favorite teacher in high school. He always took the time to talk with me, teach me and was probably the only person who could make World War II history come alive in the minds of students.

I have fond memories of him. He was a lovely, lovely person.

May he rest in peace.

From: Glen Roger
Relation: friend

Condolences to family.

Eric was a teacher in my school in Kitimat when I was a little kid in the late 1950s. We ended up teaching together at Abby Senior for many years in the 80s and 90s and into the 2000s.

There are very few people who had the smile and zest for life as Eric. He walked to work every day… and extended his walk so that he got more exercise. On his retirement, many of us met him one morning for his daily walk to work one day… and had trouble keeping up with his pace.

I’ve had the opportunity to work with many teachers… none of them more centered on their students than Eric.

There is no higher calling than to dedicate your life to the service of others. I’ve always been proud to call Eric a friend.

We won’t be in the country for the service… but our hearts will be with family and friends.

Best.

Glen and Pam Roger

From: Susan Friesen
Relation: friend

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort..

From: Dave Pankras
Relation: Student 1987

I’d like to offer my heartfelt sympathies on Mr. Ratzlaff’s passing. He was my history teacher and although I always loved history he took that love to a whole new level which stays with me today. He was the BEST teacher I ever had. The way he could have his back to the chalkboard and still write with an outstretched arm will stick with me as much as his distinctive walk. I joined the Army after I graduated and when I returned from my Gulf War deployment in 1991 for a visit in uniform his face lit up like a Christmas tree. I’ll never forget him. What a great legacy to have so many students so positively influenced.

From: Paula Hamilton (Comey)
Relation: My favorite teacher!

Mr. Ratzlaff was my favorite teacher. He gave me a great love for Western Civ. A couple of years ago his nephew passed away on my ward. When I saw him he gave me a hug and told me how delighted he was to see his former students and how they have succeeded in life. We reminisced about Abby and western civ. He always brought a smile to my aged the many times I have seem him out walking. Heaven has truly been blessed to recieve you. May you walk many more miles with your Heavenly Father. Lots of love Paula.

From: Ken Friedrich
Relation: Former Student

I was a student of Mr. Ratzlaff’s 88-90 at Abby Senior… he was one of the first teacher’s I really connected with…. he taught me a phrase that I never forgot… ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY… he actually helped me understand my Dad more who was a teen in Germany in World War II by explaining the history around it… he was always smiling and loved what he taught… but thebiggest thing Ill never forget is when I ran into him almost 10 years after grad and he still remembered me and actually sat down with me for an hour… R.I.P. to a great teacher and role model… Condolences go out to the family… Thx for everything Mr. Ratzlaff…

From: Karen Smith
Relation: student

Mr. Ratzlaff was my teacher in the early 70’s. He definitely lived his faith by how special and important he made each and every student feel.( I know that’s how he made me feel.) When I got saved in my early 20’s I realized for myself why Mr. Ratzlaff seemed so special. He was a great role model and example for young people. Shine on in eternity Mr. Ratzlaff :))

From: Dorothy Fowler Flynn
Relation: Colleague

My heartfelt condolences to Kaye and the Ratzlaff family. Eric and I were colleagues at Abby Senior. Eric was a much loved and respected teacher for many reasons. He genuinely cared about his students and had the gift of communicating to people that they were special. Eric instilled a love for and an understanding of History. His positive outlook and clear moral compass made him a role model for all of us. Eric has touched and guided so many lives, I can think of no greater legacy!

From: Dave Loewen
Relation: Friend

Eric was a most engaging and genuine individual. I’ve heard so much about the kind of teacher he was, and reading comments here just reinforced what I had already known. He invested himself fully into whatever he did and our community is much richer because of the role he played in teaching young people for all those years! Wishing Kay and family much comfort and strength as you mourn his passing!