Rupert SEEL Obituary
Rupert Seel was born in New Hazelton BC on December 22, 1928. Growing up on Ootsa Lake, he learned from his father George how to hunt, trap and prospect. His mother Else documented their pioneer life, and her writings and photos continue to this day to inspire others. Oosta Lake Odyssey recently published, made Rupert proud (thank-you, Jay Sherwood). Hired in 1951 by the surveying company McElhanney, he was employed to ferry workers and supplies for the Kemano power generation project. It was reported that he "could tough it out in any situation and thought little of walking into Kemano from Ootsa Lake, winter or summer". As the company grew he had opportunities to work all over the world and continued with McElhanney for over 40 years. Upon his "retirement" Rupert pursued his passions: firewood (never enough), gardening and mineral exploration, living up to the name "the man who never tires" given to him by a Nigerian co-worker. Rupert passed on in Vancouver on June 27, 2017 and is lovingly remembered by his children Erika, Vernon (Mei Ying), Sybil and grandchildren Matthew, Cameron, Emma and Shaw-Ern. He was predeceased by his wife Winifred, sister Gloria Reed, son-in-law Mark and friend Grace Blackwell. He will be missed by Winnie's and Gloria's families as well as many friends whom he cherished. A Celebration of Rupert's life will be held at his Sechelt house at noon on August 12. Additionally, family members will visit Wisteria on August 16.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Lloyd Hume
February 8, 2018
I met Rupert when I was working at McElhanney.I was in mapping sales. When sales slowed down in 1983 Rupert took me out in the bush around McGregor river east of Prince George.I was dropped off from a helicopter high in a mountain valley and was to get stream samples from 3 or 4 creeks.When I was finished the sampling the helicopter was to pick me up farther down the valley. I could see the helicopter flying overhead but they couldn't see me because of the thick bush. Rupert finally saw my red jacket at the helicopter came to pick me up. I was sure happy they did as it was getting dark and I had no food or bedding. Rupert was always a home in the woods.We all knew that no one could keep up to him when hiking through a trail.Rupert said that he was too quiet when hiking through the bush.He just might surprise a bear. I am happy to have known Rupert. May he rest in peace.
David Loewen
August 29, 2017
I only knew Mr. Seel through my work at the Bon Voyage Motor Inn. He was a regular guest here, and always one of the bright spots in the day when he came to stay with us. His presence here will be missed.
August 10, 2017
I grew up on the shores of Ootsa Lake, a neighbour of the Seel famlily; I am the daughter of Alford Harrison, who was mentioned in the OOTSA LAKE ODESSEY. My maternal grandparents (Louisa and Bob Nelson) ran the Wistaria Post Office. I was very impressed with the work that Jay Sherwood did to put that work together. My mother, Alice, also met with Bernadette Colonega to share memories of Else, for her fictionalized version of her story. Both my parents are deceased (2016). I am working on some memoir pieces that describe my childhood at Wistaria before we were displaced in 1952. I routinely visit family each summer who now reside at Tchesinkut Lake and will be there arriving on 13 August. I wonder if it would be appropriate to show up at Wistaria at your get together on 16 August, or is it just a family affair. Actually I am driving north with Helen Shelford, who wants to check out the Shelford homestead at Wistaria. There is such rich history there; accolades to Rupert for getting his family's story told!!!
June Harrison ([email protected])
Lilian Elliott
July 20, 2017
Dear Rupert, you are now free to survey God's kingdom from above the concerns of earth. May you continue to search new horizons as you rest in God's loving arms.
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Harald Dorfmueller
July 9, 2017
After 15 long years we finally met Rupert again, only a few days before he passed away. It was our first trip to Canada, visiting Rupert and his family. We were so happy to meet him again, a genuinely good man, always friendly. Now we are very sad, but thankful to have known him.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Harald, Elisabeth and Andrea
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