October 7, 1935 – April 28, 2022
Hans passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at his home in Nanaimo after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Hans is survived by his loving wife Jutta of 58 years who is well looked after in Dufferin Care Facility; daughters Kristina (Dennis) Schmidt, Kathrin (Mel) Lebid and son Craig (Rena) Ebeling. He leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren and his beloved sidekick, Schatzi. Hans was predeceased by his parents, 7 siblings, granddaughter Megan, and son Dean. Hans was born to Sophia and Emil Ebeling in Wickerstedt, Germany on October 7, 1935.
Hans became a Machinist and after spending a number of years in the Merchant Marine he immigrated to BC in 1960. He met Jutta Fock and her two girls in Prince George where they married and began their life together. On March 8, 1962 they welcomed twin boys Craig and Dean. After the boys were born Hans began his career with BC Hydro which spanned almost 40 years.
Hans and Jutta moved to to the Bridge River Townsite when he took a transfer through BC Hydro and became the General Trades Foreman. Subsequent to this they built a home in Seton Portage where the family grew up and thrived. Hans was involved in the Mission Mountain Ski Hill project to commemorate the centennial in 1967. But Dad is probably best known in the area for the 42 foot ferro-cement sailboat (Soju) that he built in the front yard in Seton Portage. The whole community watched the process with interest, from the build to the move into Seton Lake, then onto a flat car for the trip to the ocean in North Vancouver.
Not long after the Soju made the journey to the Island, Hans took a transfer to Nanaimo where he built another home and retired in 1995. As a result of Dean’s disability (Cerebral Palsy), Hans dedicated a good portion of his time and energy to support the efforts of Claytree Society in their support of individuals with disabilities.
Hans was always an avid outdoorsman and was a member of the Nanaimo Fish and Game Protective Association until the day he died. Dad’s happy place was anywhere near the water, whether it was on the boat or under the surface with a scuba tank. Hans was also a proud member of the Power Pioneers.
To respect Dad’s wishes there will not be a service and donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Nanaimo Hospice.