April 10, 1930 - July 4, 2019
Ernst (Ernie) W. Mertzen passed away in Grand Forks, BC on July 4, 2019. He was born in Duisburg, Germany on April 10, 1930 and emigrated to Canada in 1953. He was predeceased by his wife Ursula (Ulla) Mertzen, who passed away in Grand Forks on May 1, 2009. They were married in Vancouver on June 30, 1961 and moved into their new home on their small ranch in Eholt, B.C. in 1981.
Ernie was a carpenter, builder and rancher by profession, but a jackof- all trades at heart. He hunted in the backwoods of BC, fished in the lakes around Eholt, created wonderfultaxidermy, and was known for making delicious sausages. Ernie loved nature and preferred country life to urban living. In his later years he turned to art as a pastime, creating beautiful wood-burnings of wildlife and nature scenes, subsequently becoming enthralled with painting with acrylics, something that he was introduced to while visiting family in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ernie and Ulla had many good friends in the Grand Forks/Greenwood/Eholt region, and both will besorely missed.
Ernie is survived by his son, Richard (Rick) Frederkind and his wife Annie, his daughter Carla (Carli) Flynn and her husband Brian and three grandchildren; Sara, Christopher and Ernst.
Rick and Carli take this opportunity to thank all of Ernie's many friends, far and wide, for their friendship, their help and support over the years and their caring and concern for his welfare and health. Ernie will be remembered fondly by everyone with whom he spent time.
Condolences may be sent to Richard Frederkind at 7808 Morris Rippel Place NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87122, by e-mail to richard.frederkind@santaanastar.com, or by telephone at (505) 990-3224.