Eric John Wenzel

Eric is survived by his loving children, Karl Wenzel, Marie Cupello, Carol Wenzel, and Connie Whaley. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Anthony Cupello, Angela Cupello and son David, Kristy Whaley, Karri Whaley (Ryan) and sons Nolan and Cooper, and Mike Whaley.

Eric was predeceased by his loving wife Jeannette (2015) and sons Mark (2013) and Mike (1993).

Eric was a kind and generous soul who had many friends and was much loved. He loved his dog buddies, and their companionship brought him comfort and many smiles. He was well known and respected, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be dearly missed.

Due to restrictions Prayers and Mass will be a private family celebration held at St. John Vianney Church. However we ask those who knew Eric to keep him and the family in their thoughts and prayers.

We will be having a more public celebration of his life at a later date.

Should friends desire, donations to the Heart and Stroke or Kidney Foundations would be appreciated in Eric's memory.

Eric started life from humble beginnings in the countryside.

His Mother recalled how Eric, as a child,

claimed that he would cut down all the trees in BC with his hatchet.

He and Jeannette built their own logging company from hard work, persistence,

and Eric’s incredible talent with machinery.

He could drive, fix, and invent anything that was needed.

We knew him as Mr. Fix It Man.

Evidence of his woodworking skills and mechanical mastery

is found everywhere around home.

We have lost an incredibly talented source of knowledge.

Eric treated people with kindness and respect,

and he was always helping others.

He enjoyed sharing laughs and memories with friends, old and new.

He loved going to Arrow Park reunions to see his friends from youth.

He also loved meeting new people

and learning/experiencing new things about the world around us.

As a logger, he travelled many roads and enjoyed site seeing.

People who knew Eric recognized that a good man walked amongst us.

Dad had pets his whole life – a chicken, goats, dogs, and horses.

Eric’s animals, especially his dog buddies, brought him

heartfelt companionship, smiles and genuine reciprocated love.

Eric and his dogs Charlie and Rusty were often out for buggy rides.

The grin on Dad’s face was as wide as that on the dogs.

He would giggle with glee while playing with his dogs.

He loved having the dogs with him as he worked outside.

Likewise, the cows’ moos and horses’ whinny

made him giggle as he went out to feed them.

Smokey Joe could always get him to take a break and bring some grass.

The measure of a man is evident in how he treats his animals.

Dad’s love, kindness and respect towards all his animals

proves the depth and goodness of his essence.

Eric was a loving husband and family man.

We cherish every memory we shared,

and mourn the loss of creating new ones.

We wanted to keep you with us forever.

It is impossible to summarize such a beautiful soul with mere words.

We are honoured to have known and loved such a wonderful man.

We hope that you are once again with Jeannette, the love of your life,

as well as Mark, Mike, and others who preceded you.

Rest in peace dear Eric,

knowing that you are loved deeply, eternally.

Heaven has gained yet another good man.

"Prayer of St. Francis"

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be

consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

St. Francis of Assisi

* * * * * * * * * *

Mr. Eric John Wenzel passed away on May 29, 2020 at the age of 85 in the comfort of his home in Kamloops.

Eric is survived by his loving children, Karl Wenzel, Marie Cupello, Carol Wenzel, and Connie Whaley. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Anthony Cupello, Angela Cupello and son David, Kristy Whaley, Karri Whaley (Ryan) and sons Nolan and Cooper, and Mike Whaley.

Eric was predeceased by his loving wife Jeannette (2015) and sons Mark (2013) and Mike (1993).

Eric was a kind and generous soul who had many friends and was much loved. He loved his dog buddies, and their companionship brought him comfort and many smiles. He was well known and respected, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be dearly missed.

Due to restrictions Prayers and Mass will be a private family celebration held at St. John Vianney Church. However we ask those who knew Eric to keep him and the family in their thoughts and prayers.

We will be having a more public celebration of his life at a later date.

Should friends desire, donations to the Heart and Stroke or Kidney Foundations would be appreciated in Eric's memory.