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: Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff
Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Beata and Vidas Girskis
Relation: Friend / colleague
We send our condolences to the Ratzlaff family. Eric was a wonderful friend and an inspiration to us. We will always remember his enthusiasm, energy and friendliness. He was an example of a Christian that we want to follow.
From: Julianna Koksarova
Relation: Eric was my teacher.
I send my condolences to the Ratzlaff family. Eric was my favorite teacher at the Summer Language Institute in Lithuania. What an exemplary servant of God! May his soul rest in peace.
From: Linda Wiens
Relation: ESL colleague at LCC International U SLI program
I received this news with deep sadness from Robin Gingerich. My condolences to you Kay as you mourn the loss of your life’s partner. He was always so friendly and welcoming whenever I met him. He will be missed a lot.
From: Braden Kool
Relation: Former student
Sincerest sympathies to all his family and friends. He taught me History 12 in 1981-82, Abbotsford Senior. He touched so many of us, his students, with his pedagogic skills, but even more by the keen personal interest he took in us as individuals. He cared about you, even you, one among hundreds whose names he learned per year. I met him by chance a handful of times subsequently, updating the personal history. Often I would see him out walking around Abbotsford; the walk, his distinctive gait, told me who it was before I could recognize his face. Did I love history before I took his class, or is a that a gift of his to me? He certainly fed that interest, kindled the flame, that has not gone out. I last met him several years ago, at Menno Home, where he’d arrived to visit a friend. Our first acquaintance, in his class, was already decades past, and it seemed to me that the same happy fire and joyous aura hadn’t dimmed, but had kept shining, shining, shining…
From: Jenny Gilliland
Relation: He was my favorite teacher in high school <3
Thank you for sharing Mr Ratzlaff with me and so many other students over the years. He was an amazing man of faith. He will be missed. Praying for your family <3
From: Art and Eleanore Klassen
Relation: friends
Our deepest sympathy to you, Kay, and to your family on the loss of your husband and father, Eric. We appreciated the interest and kindness Eric always showed. He truly was a “gentleman”. ” Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15
From: Harvey &Jean Hersom
Relation: Friends
Dear Kay, girls, husbands & grandchildren,
We just learned the sad news from Karen Crawford. We are presently in Kona and won’t be home until Apr. 3rd. We would otherwise have been over to Eric’s memorial service. He and you all have been in my thoughts and prayers’ in the past few weeks.
So glad he is now in the presence of our Lord, free from all pain and face to face with his beloved Saviour. I will never forget his loving, all e
From: Harvey & Jean Hersom
Relation: Friends
Encompassing warmth, made me feel like family. He was a great strength and example to all of us.
Kay, we understand your grief just now and are so thankful for your precious girls and family. Know that you will all be in our prayers. Much love, Harvey & Jean
From: John & Alvina Braun
Relation: friends
So sad to hear of Eric’s passing. Appreciated his friendliness and sincere hand shake. May you be blessed with all the fine memories you have of him. May God give you peace.
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
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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
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