Tribute Notifications
Click below if you would like to be notified when a new tribute is posted.
Eric Sunstrum
October 31, 1947 - October 6, 2020
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.
Condolences
Send a condolence, light a candle and/or share a memory, click "Send Condolence". Once your message has been approved by the moderator it will be posted to the website.
From: Tony and Val Crossley
Relation: Next door neighbour in Arbutus Ridge for many years
This is an especially difficult time to lose a loved one, without the ability to gather together and share memories and support one another. We regret that we learned of the outdoor service belatedly, otherwise we would have been there, if numbers permitted, to honour Eric and to personally exend our condolences to Eleanor and Eric’s family. So we will do our best instead via this means, to convey our sadness at Eric’s passing. Eric was a lovely man, a great neighbour and friend — kind, funny, principled, smart, interesting — a man who spoke with such love and pride about his family and, recently and particularly, about his adored grandchildren. He had much to live for and this is indeed a tragedy. At the same time, we are all fortunate to have had an opportunity to know him, and we will remember him as a good and extraordinarily decent man. Our most sincere condolences to Eleanor and your family and all Eric’s friends who loved him. We are so, so sorry, Eleanor, and we look forward to seeing you when circumstances permit. Love from both of us.
From: Doreen and Gordie Wylie
Relation: Friend
Eleanor and family,
So sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. We always enjoyed being in his presence and always looked forward to our next visit when we parted. Our thoughts are with you.
Doreen and Gordie
From: Michael and Nancy Seaby
Relation: Colleague at Parks Canada
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I only found out from Brendan and Elsie this evening. We were shocked and our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Warmest regards Mike and Nancy Seaby
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered at:
Blooms at 49th Parallel – 778-422-0262
Floral Bar at Party Mood – www.floralbar.ca or 250-701-3151
Floral Department at Thrifty Foods – http://floral.thriftyfoods.
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the Funeral Home information.
Donate In Memory
Send Condolence - For Eric Sunstrum
Use the form below to send a Condolence, light a memorial candle and/or share a personal memory.
