Erhard Paul Sternagel

July 17, 1939 - September 22, 2024

In loving memory ~

With sadness, we announce the passing of Erhard Paul Sternagel on September 22, 2024.

Ed was born on July 17, 1939 in Pristelwitz/Schlesien, Germany to Ida and Willi Sternagel. He and his 5 siblings were raised by their mother during WWII. Dad's greatest inspiration was his mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her children and keep them safe during the war. Having lost their farm and living in a Russian refugee camp, their mother led them on a harrowing escape to West Germany. There, in the Black Forest region, Dad spent the remainder of his childhood and young adult life.

After training to be a certified brick layer, motor cycling to his first job sites near and far, Ed decided to emigrate to Canada in 1957. He was 18 years old. With no English, Dad traveled from Montreal to Saskatoon - the last train stop. There, he began his life in Canada. Dad spent the next few years traveling and working, often having to learn new skills and trades along the way. As a young man, Dad's love of nature inspired his exploration of the mountains and ruggedness of 'his' Canada.

Traveling back to Germany on the train and then the boat, Ed met Joan. Joan was returning to England after several years of working as a nurse in Montreal. Although there were post war hurts to face, Dad ventured to England to propose to Joan and back to Canada they returned. They married in 1963. Living in Saskatoon, Laurel was born in 1964 and Hannah in 1966. Work in the Alcan aluminum mines took them to Kitimat. Then, after a brief return to Europe, they finally settled in Calgary. Here, Rebecca was born in 1968 and Timothy in 1972.

It was a fishing trip that led Ed to the Creston Valley. Having grown up in the countryside, Creston was where Ed and Joan decided to raise their family. They drove their car filled with four children, pet mouse, guinea pig and settled into their bright pink house on McLaren Road during the summer of 1974. Soon chickens, rabbits and a puppy joined the mix.

After a brief time at the Crestbrook mill, Ed became a long time employee of the Columbia Brewery, while Joan nursed at the Creston Valley Hospital. 'Eddie', as known by family and friends, had a deep love of the outdoors. He paid attention to the wonders of nature and marveled at what each season brought forth. Country life provided Dad the opportunity to transform his acreage into a haven of vegetable gardens and fruit trees. He generously shared his abundant crops, especially walnuts, with friends and neighbours. Recently on his deck, he enjoyed many hours feeding and listening to 'his' beloved birds, cracking his homegrown walnuts, and breathing in his flowers. Sunflowers became his favourite because they continued to feed his feathered friends during the winter months. The birds, in turn, visited and spoke to Dad as a trusted friend.

Ever the builder, Ed built his own brick walls, stone stairs and outsheds. There was nothing Dad couldn't do. He was meticulous down to the smallest detail, renovating his home both inside and out. Building with his hands was a part of who he was.

There were times of playing soccer, fishing, horseback riding, hunting and friendship. Special trips for Ed and Joan included Germany, Switzerland, England, Israel, cruises to Alaska and St. Thomas Islands. In recent years, Dad was always game for local excursions to Yahk, Canyon, Kootenay and Duck Lakes, and Bonners Ferry, where he dreamed of finding his fortune. His favourite pastimes became croquet with family, crib club and journaling his newspaper clippings. His visits with grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him much joy as did his recent visits from beloved nephew, Martin and his daughter, Rebecca, from Switzerland.

Christian faith was important to him, raised Lutheran as a child in Germany. He treasured our family traditions of confirmations, weddings and baptisms that took place at the Creston Redeemer Lutheran Church, with the care of Pastor Harry Haberstock.

Ed's memory will live on through his daughters Laurel (Brian) Ewashen, Hannah (Tim) Pauls and Rebecca Sternagel. Gramps loved his grandchildren; Jacob (Monique and daughters Claire and Edith), Natasha (Brett and stepdaughter Wrenlee), Devon (Bethany and children Psyche and Kootenay), Shalayna (Sam and daughter Takaya), Stephanie (David) and Mikaela (David) and many extended family in England, Canada, Switzerland and Germany including, brother Kurt and many well loved cousins, nieces and nephews. Ed was predeceased by his wife Joan and beloved son Timothy, siblings Margot, Martin, Erika, Lothar and nephew Joachim, nephew-in-law Frank, brother-in-law, Brian.

Our family would like to extend our heart-felt thanks to all of those that cared for our dad; thoughtful neighbours, physicians, the many nurses and care aides at the Creston Valley Hospital and the many home care workers, all of whom helped us honour Dad's wish to remain living in his home.

"The fate of flowers is to blossom and the fate of human beings is to grow into our love."

(Author Unknown)

A memorial for Ed will be held on October 26, 2024 at 11 am at the Oliver Funeral Home, followed by light refreshments and then a private ceremony for family at the Forest Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the B.C. Children's Hospital Foundation (4480 Oak St., Vancouver, B.C. V6H 3V4 or www.bcchildrens.ca/donate ).

Additional Photo(s):