Alexander Albert Rempel went to be with the Lord on March 23, 2011 at Abbotsford Regional Hospital at the age of 85 years. Alex will be sadly missed by Hilda, his wife of 61 years and his daughter, Maureen (Bill); grandchildren, Jeff, Reann and Hillary; his brothers, Walter (Annabell) and many family members. He was predeceased by his son, Lawrence; his brothers Rudy, Heinrich, Gerhard and Abraham.
Alex was born in Rosario, Chihuahua, Mexico on April 14, 1925. His parents had immigrated from Russia, to Mexico, then to Canada. After some time spent in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the family moved to Yarrow and then to Greendale where they established their roots. Alex grew up with his brothers, Water and Rudy. He worked hard on the farm, helping his family. He attended Greendale School as well as the church which his father helped establish. Alex had a great love of sports. He played soccer, lacrosse and baseball, which became one of his greatest loves. As well as playing, he became a coach and then later on was much in demand as an umpire. As a young man, Alex enlisted in the Army for a short time. After trying his hand at logging, and many other jobs, Alex went to work at CFB Chilliwack and spent 40 years there. He began as a painter and carpenter and eventually lead into forklift operator in the warehouse, which is now the site of UFV Trades.
Alex met the love of his life Hilda, in 1948. After courting her at the old roller rink in Greendale. They were married in 1949.
In November of 1950, his son Lawrence came along, then in July 1954 his daughter Maureen. He was so proud of his family. It was complete.
Alex became an avid gardener. He loved his flowers. Woodworking also become one of his favourite past-times. He loved to get a new kind of wood and turn it into a thing of beauty.
In January of 1972, tragedy struck when Alex and Hilda lost their son. The pain of his loss was unimaginable and the anguish stayed with him to his last days. As time went by, Alex learned to enjoy snowmobiling in the back country of Tulameen. He was always in awe of the beauty of it all. He took up fishing and had many enjoyable journeys hoping to hook the elusive “Big One”.
Later on in life, Alex looked to God for guidance. He went back to church and learned to love the Lord again. He and Hilda were baptized in 2000. Their love for God helped heal their anger over losing their son. Alex was a kind man. He had many friends and all that knew him enjoyed his company. He had a wonderful sense of humour and you could always count on a joke. He will be deeply missed by all that were close to him, but we rejoice in his salvation.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 7 pm at Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home, 45865 Hocking Ave., Chilliwack, BC.
A Service of Remembrance will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, March 28, 2011 at Sardis Community Church, 45625 South Sumas Rd., Chilliwack; Pastor Hugo Reimer officiating. Interment will take place at 10:00 am Monday at Greendale Cemetery, Watson Rd.
If any so desire, memorial donations may be made to The Gideon’s or to the MCC in Alex’s name.
Online condolences can be left at www.Woodlawn-MtCheam.ca