Tribute

With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Eric Sunstrum, 72,  who had a heart attack on October 6, 2020 in Cobble Hill, British Columbia.  Born October 31, 1947, in Ottawa, Ontario, he was the son of the late Moses Sunstrum and Isabelle (Walker) Sunstrum.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Eleanor (Hulse) Sunstrum; daughter Janet Sunstrum and her husband, Patrick Jadan; son Ian Sunstrum and his partner, Rebecca Murphy and three grandchildren Owen Jadan, Hailey Jadan, and Ronin Sunstrum.

Eric graduated from the Glebe High School in Ottawa in 1967, and then completed a Bachelor of Engineering at Carleton University in 1972.  He then began a masters degree but just before completing it, a job at Parks Canada beckoned him.  Eric worked for the next 34 years as a civil engineer for Parks Canada.  Some of his notable engineering projects included collaborating on the restoration of the Ottawa Canal, designing the wildlife underpasses in Banff and Jasper National Parks, the redesign of the Sault Ste. Marie Canal locks, inspecting the bridges and ladders along the West Coast and Chilkoot Trails and designing the pier for the Haida National Historic Site.  He was passionate about his profession and frequently reminisced about his times traveling for work to National Parks across the country.  He shared this love for the outdoors with his family and enjoyed many camping trips.

He survived cancer in 2008 and subsequently became a volunteer driver for the Canadian Cancer Society as he wanted to help people going through this vulnerable time in their lives.  He also enjoyed being an active part of his retirement community and volunteered on the Arbutus Ridge Civil Works Committee and the Promotional Committee.  In his spare time he loved to read about science and especially the mysteries of the universe.  He was interested in traveling, hockey, fishing, and had a passion for international cuisine and cooking.  Most of all, he delighted in spending time with friends and family and telling stories about everything that fascinated him from his learnings and experiences.

Eric’s funeral will be held on October 16th at 10 AM followed by the burial at 10:45 AM at St. Francis Xavier Church in Mill Bay.  Due to covid-19 restrictions, attendance at the funeral will be by invitation only.  Parishioners are welcome to attend the outside burial with physical distancing; however please call the Church Office at 250-743-1688 to register as there are still only 50 people permitted at the burial. There will also be a live stream of the funeral service for those unable to attend. Please go to the link https://distantlink.com/Wallace.html at 10:00 AM

If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to Eric’s favourite charity, the Salvation Army.

He will be dearly missed.  We will always carry his memory in our hearts.