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Gisela Mendel – April 18, 2008 passed away quickly, from natural causes. She leaves behind her husband Hans and four children, Rika (Lyne) (Garibaldi Highlands), Uli (Terrace), Eckard (Smithers) and Dirk (Kitimat), 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Oma was born in Koln, Germany in 1922 and immigrated to Canada in 1952, first to Ontario for a short duration, then travelling by train to Penny, 40 km east of Prince George, which was a small saw milling town. The youngest of the family, Dirk, was born in there at -40 degrees in January 1954. A large fire at the sawmill saw the family moving to Terrace where Hans built a house and procured work with the new smelter at Kitimat (Alcan). In 1955 the family moved to Kitimat and Oma enjoyed all that Kitimat had to offer, hiking, kayaking, botany, photography, skiing, studying history and studying the Haisla language. Oma became the curator of the Kitimat Museums and became well-versed in the local history and respected for her accurate documentation and participation in Kitimat’s history. Retiring in 1982 and moving to Smithers with a drier climate and consistent hiking weather, she enjoy many trips to Malkow Lookout, was it 61 or 62 trips to the lookout? Her numerous hiking friends and family will miss her constant encouragement and down-to-earth views on worldly topics.

The family would like to thank those who helped her at the skate park where Oma rested and at the Hospital where she later passed on.

Join Oma for hike number 63 to Malkow Lookout on Sunday, April 2, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. at the parking lot. Call 847-3173 for more information.



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