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Erich JELLINEK

May 8, 2008

Erich Jellinek, born 12 March, 1913 at Vienna, Austria, passed away May 08, 2008 at Eden Intermediate Care, Chilliwack, BC.

Erich was predeceased by his first wife and son during World War II, his second wife, Vera Ingeborg Jellinek, and his dearest friend in his later years, Jean McLeod.

Erich is forever loved and missed by his son, Michael Jellinek and his daughter-in-law, Dorothy Jellinek. We will never forget his kind, compassionate and generous nature – nor the fiercely proud, resilient, and independent survivor that he was.

Dad was born into a large and loving family. He was an avid skier, soccer player and accomplished figure skater. He married, had a son, and lived a peaceful, happy life. The War intervened.

Early one morning, when he walked into the city to get a newspaper, he was arrested by the Nazis, and sent to a labour camp. He never saw his wife and son again. Indeed, his entire family eventually vanished in the concentration camps. He escaped the labour camp with the assistance of the underground and spent the early years of the war with the French resistance. When his cell was betrayed in Lyon, he escaped through the lines into Allied territory in Italy. Repatriated to England, he joined the British 6th airborne and served as a Para.

At war’s end he joined the War Crimes Investigative Division until 1947. He met and married Vera during this time. In 1957, desiring a new start, he emigrated with his family from the UK to Canada, eventually settling in Estevan, Saskatchewan. In Estevan, he became a respected member of the community, was an Alderman, an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion and was an Exalted Ruler of the local Elks. He eventually moved to Chilliwack.

Upon his retirement as a store manager he became a community volunteer. For over 20 years he drove cancer patients to and from the cancer clinic in Vancouver. His was a strong shoulder to lean on for those who needed it. It was during this time when he met and loved a very special lady, Jean McLeod.

Very special thanks to the wonderful staff at Eden Intermediate Care for the obvious love, admiration and care that they showed towards Dad.

By request, no funeral service will be held. His ashes will be scattered at sea in a private ceremony.

For those desiring, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society BC and Yukon Division.




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