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
Send a condolence, light a candle and/or share a memory, click "Send Condolence". Once your message has been approved by the moderator it will be posted to the website.
From: Mike Griffith
Relation: Eric was my History 12 teacher.
Eric touched the lives of too many to count. He provided the motivation and gentle push to allow me to maximize my potential. I looked forward to each and everyday in his class. I count myself one of the lucky ones to have known Mr. Ratzlaff. God bless.
From: Pauline (Fatkin) Isherwood
Relation: he taught me at Abby Senior
To the Family of Eric Ratzlaff my deepest heartfelt sympathy.
He taught me at Abbotsford Senior and was one of my favorite teachers. During my History 12 class he would allow my boyfriend who had a spare during same block to come and sit in on his class. After a few history facts Mr Ratzlaff would start one of his boy/girl relationship talks which always made us laugh. Well. I married that boy and we were married 31 years until I lost him last summer to a malignant brain tumor , so I share your loss and your pain.
I planned to attend the service but we were short staffed at work that day and I was unable to get away, please forgive me as I really wanted to be there for the Family!
I always saw Eric walking around town with a big smile on his face and luckily got to speak to him over the years when our paths crossed.
He was a wonderful person and will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you,
Pauline ( Fatkin) Isherwood Class of 1977
From: Jo MacLeod
Relation: friend and co-worker of Kay
Kay, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May all these tributes to your wonderful husband and your memories console you. I can relate as i also lost my husband a few years ago. One day you will find that your memories of Eric will make you smile and you will thank God for the privilege of having had him in your life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
From: Beth Drury (nee Gouldthorpe)
Relation: friend of the family
I can only picture Mr Ratzlaff with a positive and enquiring look on his face! Enquiring after family, life and of course the Queen! Always welcoming, friendly and interested he listened more than he talked even though he had so much knowledge to share. My last visit with him before Christmas what hit me most was his unwavering faith which had shaped his whole life and he knew would carry him through what was to come. What an inspiring legacy he has left.
From: Rob Reibenschuh
Relation: Former colleague
It is with great sadness that I learned today of my friend and former colleague’s passing. My family’s prayers and best wishes go to Eric’s loving family and friends. As a new teacher at Abby Senior, Eric helped guide me and mold me into the teacher and person I am today. He was compassionate, caring, and always held a beautiful smile. We will all miss him. Another eternal flame has been blown out. Go with God, Eric.
From: Erin McGrail
Relation: Former student
To the Ratzlaff family:
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Ratzlaff’s passing. A wonderful man and extraordinary teacher. Mr. Ratzlaff inspirited me to become a teacher.
I consider myself incredibly lucky to have had such an amazing teacher.
Much love and thoughts to you and and your family.
RIP Mr. Ratzlaff.
Regards:
Erin McGrail
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.
Donate In Memory
Send Condolence - For Eric Ratzlaff
Use the form below to send a Condolence, light a memorial candle and/or share a personal memory.
