May 23, 1926 - July 18, 2018
Gerhard Hermann Eichel passed away peacefully on July 18, 2018 in his 92nd year. His wife, Erika Christel Eichel (nee Klein) predeceased him in 2006.
Gerhard was born on May 23rd, 1926 in Berlin, Germany. He was drafted into the German Armed Forces in 1944 and served for one year before Germany's surrender in May 1945.
After completing his forestry degree at the University of Freiberg, he emigrated to Canada in 1952 where he joined the Inventory Branch at the BC Forest Service. Christel joined him six months later and they married the same year.
Throughout his Canadian forestry career in both the BC government and private sector forestry firms, Gerhard strove to advance forest management practices and timber production by encouraging natural reproduction.
His knowledge of the local forest, shrubs, flowers and wildlife was encyclopedic and he passed on his love of trees and the outdoors to his three sons. His hobbies included, photography, writing perceptive letters to the editor, reading and listening to classical music.
The family would like to sincerely thank all of the caregivers from Nurse Next Door who made his later years more comfortable and filled his days with conversation, laughter and friendship.
The family would also like to thank the staff at the Maple Ridge Seniors Village - nurses, Resident Care Attendants (particularly Keri, for her love, kindness and compassion) and doctors for all of their efforts in keeping Gerhard comfortable over the last three years.
He is survived by his sons Frank (Ann), Oliver (Maureen) and Leonard (France); Grandchildren David, Travis (Alley), Janelle (Ricardo), Joshua (Amelie) and Camille; Great grandchildren Maeleigh, Makenna, Mara and Luca.
At the request of the deceased, there will be no public service. However, a private celebration of Gerhard and Christel's lives will take place next year.
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