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Helmut REMPEL

May 23, 2007

REMPEL, Helmut (Rip)


It is with great sadness that we anounce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend who passed away at the age of 83, after a battle with heart disease. Rip was born Feb. 12, 1924 in the

Mennonite community of Morosowo, Russia. At 5 months old, his family immigrated to Canada aboard the ship, Minnedosa, and settled in Stonewall, Manitoba. He later served in the RCAF attached to the RAF Squadron 166 heavy bomber during WWII. This is where he earned his nickname, "RIP", which stayed with him for life. Upon his return to Canada at the end of the War he settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he met his future bride and life long companion Kathleen Drysdale. They were married on May 15, 1948, and recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary.

Rip lived for a short time in Marathon, Ontario where their loving daughter, Deborah, was born. In 1951, they moved to Prince Rupert, B.C. to work in the pulp and paper industry. They enjoyed 31 years living in Prince

Rupert where they made many wonderful friends. It is here that they

rejoiced in the births of their four sons: Eric, James, Bruce and Shawn.

In 1981, Rip retired and became a pulp and paper consultant where he specialized in the start up of pulp mills in Czechoslovakia. Rip and Kathleen

returned to Prince Rupert for a short time before moving to South Surrey in 1983. Rip was in his glory whether in his garden or in his woodworking shop. His love of Rving took them on many great adventures with family and friends. He loved spending time with his family.

Rip was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Peter; brothers: Eric, Rudy, Ted, Peter; and sisters: Maria, Mary and Grace; and one granddaughter.

He is survived by his loving wife,

Kathleen; daughter, Debby (Manfred), sons: Eric (Clara), Jim (Debbie), Bruce (Antoinette), and Shawn. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Funeral service will the held at Valleyview Memorial Gardens: 14644 - 72nd Ave. Surrey, B.C., on Wednesday, May 23, 2007, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rip’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.