Raymond Paul Stremel

though he rarely drove either of his family-life beloved Ford pickups above 50 mph. He only needed two successive pick-up trucks throughout his entire family life; since the 1965 Ford F-100 purchased in 1968 and his 1977 Ford F-100 purchased (new off the Dave Buck Ford) lot near the Stremel home in North Vancouver, were the only two he would require until 2005. Pick up trucks, however, were very far down the list in terms of what defines Raymond Paul Stremel.  On top of the list was his beloved wife Anita (1936-2021) whom he married in 1953. Their 68 year union was a cornerstone in the lives of many; though in particular - his sons Steven (and granddaughters Samantha (Brad), and Bobbi), Wayne (spouse Lorraine, granddaughter Emilee, grandson Luke and their mother Saralee).  Pick up trucks did, however, help Raymond find his bliss.  They allowed him and Anita to camp and fish, as Dad over the years developed into a very accomplished fisherman and small coastal craft operator along the Salish Sea .  While these experiences defined a large portion of his life, his remarkable life story was taking extraordinary shape prior to 1953.  Dad was the second born of seven siblings to George and Katherina Stremel in Unity, Saskatchewan on August 5, 1925.  He is survived by his sisters Katie and Helen and brother in law Harvey; and predeceased by his brothers John (Anne), George (Beryl), Martin (Norma), beloved sister Mary and brother in laws Billy and Mike - all of whom were raised in Rutland BC, which forms an extraordinary story in and of itself, as they collectively strove to tend to a share-crop fruit orchard, followed by the purchase of their own Stremel family fruit orchard in East Kelowna.  Special acknowledgement to his irrepressible brother-in-law Max Rembold (1938-2005), responsible for many travel adventures both near and far, and survived by his beloved sister-in-law Pat Hampton (Chuck).  Dad was called to duty in 1944, and departed Halifax in January 1945 for the war in Europe, where he battled for Canada with the Canadian Scottish Regiment through Holland, Belgium and Germany; earning a War Medal and Defense Medal. Dad’s ability to speak German factored into the sway he unwittingly held amongst his comrades; evolving into a much valued asset for interrogation of opponents.  Upon his return to Kelowna in 1946 he worked in the family orchard, and then as a hardrock miner in Hedley, Kimberley, and Princeton, before raising his family at 555 West 22nd Street in North Vancouver.  There he joined his brother John as a trusted, intrepid, and reliable tradesman-employee with John Stremel Plaster and Stucco for 25 years.  Following this storied and strongly family driven period, Dad was hired by Westroc Industries as a laborer/machine operator in their drywall factory on Wall Street in Vancouver for another 16 years.  When Westroc relocated in the mid 80’s, Dad created a thriving small business “Sanford and Son”, enlisting his 1977 Ford F-100 to get the jobs done (he was known to haul for free when an elderly widow needed some help).  While Mom and Dad shaped themselves as dedicated employees, they were generous with their time as parents and grandparents, rarely missing an opportunity to spectate at their children and grandchildren participation in a school play, or sport they were enrolled in - while ensuring family vacations were spent camping, waterskiing, fishing, alpine skiing, or otherwise.  Dad was a lifetime member of Knights of Columbus, active member of Royal Canadian Legion, North Vancouver and Qualicum Beach, Coached and officiated with Jaycee Little League, together with officiating with Gordon Sturtridge League (football); and earned his WCB “A” Class Industrial First Aid certification during his tenure with Westroc Industries.  Mom and Dad departed 22nd Street in 1987 bound for their retirement dream on Cortes Island where they thrived and entertained, shared love and time with their grandchildren, family, and many close friends, until a further retirement step landed them in Qualicum Beach in 1994 - writing yet another chapter of happiness in their lives. The final chapter in their considerable experiences found them within the loving embrace of The Gardens, where the people there allowed Mom and Dad to enjoy their twilight years in comfort, assuring their every need was met.  Our family expresses Gratitude and Appreciation for the special time and talent for the Angels at this special place.  Mom and Dad will be laid to rest following the modern funeral mass,  in the columbarium, God’s Acre, National Veterans’ Cemetery, Esquimalt BC in Spring.