UNRAU, Eldon
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Eldon Unrau on June 2, 2007 in the Nanaimo General Hospital, Palliative Care Ward, Nanaimo, BC at the age of 83.
He leaves behind to mourn, his loving wife Lydia (Richard) Unrau, sons Gary (Linda) of Nanoose Bay, Doug (Elizabeth) of Medicine Hat, Alberta; step-daughters Priscilla (Murray) Walker of Nanoose Bay, Shirley (Del) Philipps of Denman Island; step-sons Dale Richard of Plamondon, Alta., Clarence (Marilyn) Richard of Ardrossan, Alta., Billy (Lori) Richard of Hinton, Alta, Geordy (Dawn) Richard of Fort St. John, Alta.; his sister Leona (Neil) Black of Courtenay, BC, brother Gordon (Diane) of Medicine Hat, Alta; one grandchild, numerous step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, step-nieces and step-nephews. Eldon was predeceased by his parents Agnes & Cornelius, son Craig, wife Shirley, and brother Norman.
Eldon was born on January 15, 1924 in the Rush Lake area of Sask. He was a loving and devoted Father and Husband. He worked for the Saskatchewan Power Corp. in Swift Current, Sask, for many years as a Natural Gas-fitter. Together with his three sons he also ran the family farm which he spent countless early mornings, nights and weekends grain farming and raising cattle and horses.
He exemplified a strong work ethic and there was nothing he expected of his sons that he would not do himself, be it fencing, baling, rock picking, to repairing farm machinery. Eldon was an accomplished tradesman whether it be pipe fitting, carpentry, mechanical or just plain fixing or making things. He created many wonderful and useful keepsakes for his family and often preferred to make the item that he needed rather than buy it.
After retiring from Sask. Power and moving to Red Deer, Alta., Eldon was proud to be able to work many more years alongside his sons in the oil industry as a well operator. While working in Red Deer, Eldon’s youngest son Craig was killed tragically in a work related accident.
Shortly after retiring as a well operator and moving to Nanoose Bay, BC, he lovingly and painstakingly took it upon himself to provide total care for his first wife Shirley of 45 years through her long and courageous battle with cancer and ultimate passing in their home in 1996.
Lydia came into Eldon’s life soon after and they have been married happily for 9 years. Lydia’s daughters and sons welcomed Eldon into their family and he certainly found a place in his heart for them as well. Together Eldon and Lydia bought a hobby farm and once again Eldon was doing what he loved best and that was working the land, or the “Ponderosa” as they referred to their acreage.
Eldon remained active and vital until one night in January 2006 when he suffered his first of three strokes. He tried valiantly through rehabilitation therapy to come back physically and did regain his ability to walk short distances and drive his scooter. Eldon will be lovingly and forever remembered by his wife and family and many friends in Sask., Alta., and BC.
Please join us in a celebration of Eldon’s life to be held at a Memorial Service at Yates Funeral Service, Parksville, B.C., on June 9, 2007 at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C.