ERICH RODE

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ERICH RODE With great sadness, love, and thankful hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our dearest husband, father and grandfather, Erich Rode in the early hours of Thursday, October 22, 2015 at Surrey Memorial Hospital at the age of 86 years. Erich was born in Sichelberg (Sczierps) Poland on February 21, 1929 and spent his early years on the family farm. In 1941 he was orphaned when his parents passed away just three weeks apart. He moved to the small city of Sichelberg, to live with his sister Olga and family, and began his apprenticeship as a welder. This was interrupted in 1945 during the tumultuous time after the Second World War when they had to flee to Eastern Germany. A short time later he fled once again to western Germany as a penniless refugee and eventually settled in Frankfurt. There he completed his training and worked as a Welder, until immigrating to Canada in 1955. At the beginning, in particular, life in Canada was difficult, but Erich enjoyed his new country and the opportunities it presented to him. Together with some close friends, he started a metal fabrication business, Empire Iron Works, which grew and prospered, and provided a rewarding career. In 1960, Erich met Alma Spletzer and they married on May 6, 1961 at the McDermot Avenue Baptist Church in Winnipeg. This became their church home for many years until they moved to BC in 1998. Many close friendships were forged at the church and continue until today. In BC they attended the White Rock Baptist Church, until four and one half years ago, when Erich and Alma moved to Elim Village Seniors Community, with Alma in full care and Erich in assisted living. These have been challenging years but Erich's amazing love and devotion to Alma, and his generous servants' heart came shining through as he cared for his wife every day and continued to be a loving father to his children and grandchildren. He has left a legacy of love, self sacrifice and faith that we will treasure for years to come. Erich is survived by his dearly loved and cherished wife of 54 years, Alma, and their children Helga of Surrey BC, Wilfred (Gaylene) of Surrey, BC, and Richard of Calgary, Alberta,;as well as grandchildren Christian, Joyanna and Grace. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews in Canada, Germany, Poland and Sweden. Erich was predeceased by his parents, and eight siblings. Celebration of Life was held on Thursday, October 29, 2015, 2:00 p.m., The Oasis at Elim Village, Surrey B.C. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Elim Housing Society or The Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation 43 North. Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." Lamentations 3: 22-24

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 31, 2015