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: Mary Reeves
Relation: Teacher, friend
My deepest sympathies to Kay and the whole Ratzlaff clan. I will always remember Eric with the biggest smile to be matched only with his bigger than life encouragements!
From: Amanda Closson
Relation: Mr. Ratzlaff was my teacher
Mr. Ratzlaff taught me History at Abby Sr. He was the first adult who ever told me that he thought I should go to university, and his encouragement and kind words got me through many tough times. He was so funny, and so kind – I don’t think I can even remember someone who didn’t respect Mr. Ratzlaff. Sometimes when I walked to school, his route and mine would sync up, and I’d walk with him for a little. It didn’t happen very often, and it wasn’t a big thing, but he took an interest in me that changed my life. I teach high school English now, and a big reason for that is because of Mr. Ratzlaff.
From: Martha Paul's
Relation: Cousin
Sending you my condolences. You are in my thoughts and prayers…May our God wrap His comforting arms around you and fill you with peace.
From: Katrina Nokleby
Relation: student
Mr. Ratzlaff was one of those rare human beings that exudes light, kindness and love for everyone. People blossomed in his presence, myself included. Rest in peace, you will be missed.
From: Astri Solgaard
Relation: Friend
My sincere condolences to the Ratzlaff family. Eric always had a smile and time to chat whenever you would meet him, out on his many walks. He was a kind and caring man who impacted so many with his energy and interest in others. I am sad for your loss.
From: Racheal Bateman
Relation: He taught my sisters….
Mr. Ratzlaff had a generous and gentle heart. He taught my sisters and I would often walk by his classroom and it would be playing classical music. My sisters loved his class. The amazing thing is he took time for every student…like his mission was just to be kind to every person. I had talks with him that impacted my life and I wasn’t even his student. May his family feel held by their friends and community as they walk through this loss and celebrate the amazing person he always will be to so many.
From: Diane Ross-Cox
Relation: student and neighbor
It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Eric .
I send heartfelt condolences to Kay and the entire family who are so wonderfully close knit..
My fondest memories Eric of are of high school in the 70s, he was the most non judgmental bubbly teacher i know, full of love to all and a memory for names like no other.
I had the blessing of being a next door neighbor to Eric and Kayn 2009-10 It took me a long time to feel comfortable calling Mr Ratzlaff, , Eric, but he insisted i call him Eric 🙂
Greeted daily with a big hello and a smile as big as his walk 🙂
My love and hugs to the entire family
Diane xo
From: Judy Johnstone (Penner)
Relation: Abby Senior Alumni
Such a loss! My sincere and deep sympathy goes out to the entire Ratzlaff family! I never had the chance to have Mr. R as a teacher as he retired while I attended Abby Senior. I will never forget, him having taught my brother, that he knew my name and greeting me regularly! He was a true man of God and was never ashamed to encourage his students in their faith. I know he had touched many lives during his long career. My attempt to show acknowledgements doesn’t even do justice to the great man we came to respect, know, and love!
From: David Corrie
Relation: Former Student at Abbotsford Senior
My deepest sympathy to Mr. Ratzlaff’s family and friends. He was a fantastic person, an energetic teacher, and a “one of a kind individual”. We shared an interest in Winston Churchill and I looked forward to his History class every week. Once or twice a year, I met him walking at Mill Lake and he was always smiling and happy to chat for a few minutes. He will be greatly missed.
From: Danielle Spurgeon (nee Neumann)
Relation: Highschool Teacher
Mr. Ratzlaff was one of my favorite teachers at Abby Senior – Class of 1994. I will never forget his enthusiasm for life, his heart for others and his great big smile! Mr.Ratzlaff truly did shine a light for all the world to see! “And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love.” I think it is plain to see that the world was a better place because of him. We’ll see you on the other side, my friend.
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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