Earl Ferstel
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of our father, Earl Ferstel, who slipped quietly away on June 19, 2015, after a brief hospital stay. He was predeceased by Dolores, his loving wife of 61 years. He is survived by his sons Ray and Brian (Rhonda), daughter Stacy Wright (Dave), granddaughter Marcilyn Wright and her brothers Craig and Darrell, great grandchildren Jayne, Gabriel and Ian Wright and baby Brionna; his sister Rita Erhardt and many nieces and nephews as well as dearly loved in-laws. A heart-felt thanks go to special friends Susan and Ken Schleppie and Bill Purdy who supported Earl right to the end.
Born in Regina, Saskatchewan to Ernest and Anastasia (nee Deutscher), the family moved to Kelowna in the 1940s. Earl and Dolores met as teenagers and were married in 1952. Earl explored a variety of careers, from running a welding business with his father to assistant mortician, railway worker to communications expert in the army and finally working for B.C. Tel until retirement. The Ferstel family moved to Nanaimo in the early 60s where Earl put his vast handyman skills to good use when he built the family home on Drake Street. Earl and Dolores became staunch members of St. James Anglican Church. Earl embraced the Cursillo movement and then became very involved in Kairos prison ministry. A part from Christian endeavors, Earl was a scout leader for many years and enjoyed classical music and fantasy and science-fiction stories. Earl’s funeral will be on Friday, June 26th at 2:00 pm at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, followed by a tea in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Red Cross.