Ernst Albrecht Zickler

December 21, 1921 - January 19, 2024

In Loving Memory ~

Ernst Albrecht Zickler was born in Magdeburg, Germany on December 21, 1921 to Paul Zickler and Minna (Braune) Zickler. He passed on January 19, 2024 at Whitecliff Retirement Residence in Surrey, at the age of 102. His son (Albrecht) Paul Zickler was at his side.

During World War II, Ernst was conscripted into the German infantry and served on the Eastern Front. While passing through Kniesen, Slovakia he met his wife-to-be, Alexandria Korsch, who made her way later to Ernst's parents' farm in Wolferode, Germany. Ernst reunited with Alice at the farm toward the end of the war, after having deserted the infantry and walked home under cover of darkness.

At the end of the war, Ernst and Alice married in Eisleben and took charge of the family farm. Alice gave birth to their only child, (Albrecht) Paul, in 1946. Five years later, they abandoned their farm and all of their belongings in East Germany, and they traveled to Thunder Bay, Ontario to begin a new life.

In Canada most people knew him as Ernie. He embraced the challenges of starting anew with a characteristic humor and cheerful spirit, as well as the support and determination of his wife.

During the 1960's, he worked away from his family in the Arctic, eventually becoming a station chief at a radar station in the Distant Early Warning Line. Later he worked for the Ontario Department of Transport, before retiring at age 65.

Some of Ernie and Alice's favourite times were during their annual winter road trips to Mexico in their camper van. Alice took care of the cooking, and Ernie did the repairs.

They eventually settled in BC's Lower Mainland, where they were affectionately known to many as Oma and Opa. They enjoyed being surrounded by their son and a loving family that grew to include four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Opa is remembered for his remarkable ingenuity and curiosity, the joyful sparkle in his eyes, his engaging smile, and his unconditional love for his family.

His passing was preceded by the deaths of his beloved wife Alice in 2017 and his daughter-in-law Janet Patricia Zickler in 2021.

There will be a celebration of his life at Victory Memorial Park Funeral Center in Surrey on July 6, 2024 at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Sources White Rock/South Surrey Food Bank Centre at www.sourcesbc.ca or 604-531-8168.