We Remember
REMPEL, Gwen
—
Faith the Foundation of Life
Gwen went Home to be with her Heavenly Father on August 13, 2018 at the age of 71. She is survived by her loving husband Edward Richard Rempel; sons: Jason Kurt of Aberdeen, SK along with his wife Maryann Rempel, Lowell Vaughan of Kelowna, BC along with his wife Joy Rempel, Christopher Glenn of Kelowna, BC along with his wife Sarah Rempel; grandchildren Mason, Allyson, Everett, Kale, Jenae, Miles, Louise, Betty; sister Olive Tenham of Calgary, AB; brother Reginald Garratt of Calgary, AB. Predeceased by her first husband David John Isaak and parents David and Florence Garratt.
Gwen lived her closely held faith in her daily life. She lived in constant hope for tomorrow, honouring the principles of her faith, loving her relationship with God and loving those around her. Her faith was the source of knowledge, hope, inspiration and peace. She provided a stable, loving inspiration to family and friends, helping others in their troubled times. She faced extremely difficult situations with incredible strength and stability. As the Canadian Cancer Society unit manager in Lloydminster, she helped many others along their cancer journey.
Gwen’s character was influenced by her firm belief in Biblical principles and it was lived every day. She was loving, forgiving, gracious, positive, passionate, outgoing, kind, fair, non-judgemental, caring, inspiring, understanding, respectful and truthful. Gwen learned that gratitude was the key to the door leading to success and happiness. She expressed her gratitude in many ways, some expressions she used spontaneously. Here are a few: the care is so good here, the nurses and doctors are so caring and compassionate, is there anything as beautiful as a prairie sunset?, the mountain roads are so beautiful, I just love going for drives, Kelowna is such a beautiful place to live, the “Daily Bread” is so encouraging, the people are so kind, that was a great visit, the boys and their spouses take such good care of me, I am so glad to be part of this family, all of my friends and family are so caring and kind, it is the prayers of others that give me hope and encouragement, I am so blessed. She expressed her gratitude in the gifts she gave to others. The gifts included a part of herself since each gift was carefully and caringly chosen. Often her gifts represented hours of her own effort, selflessly and freely given.
Gwen had a creative nature possessing many talents. As a writer she could make a sentence sound right and give the correct impression. She loved to sew and she made many wedding dresses, prom dresses, dresses for the Sweet Adelines, quilts, coats, and jackets. She loved music and when she played her piano, her own style and expression shone through. She played in many of the churches in her community and could effortlessly play the hymns without sheet music.
Gwen was a tremendous organizer. This ability was quickly recognized by those that got to know her. Her ability brought the best out of her volunteers at the Canadian Cancer Society in Lloydminster. She had high standards, especially for herself. In her tenure with the Canadian Cancer Society in Lloydminster, fund raising reached its peak. Her colleagues in the Canadian Cancer Society are some of her closest, dearest and lasting friends. Her organizational skills helped her as she taught school for a number of years in Lloydminster. With her commitment she dedicated herself to her students. She shattered the myth that teaching is a 9:00 am to 4:00 pm job. Correcting work and preparing lessons for the next day often extended well past 11:00 pm. Over time many students have written letters to her, thanking her for teaching them and being an influence in their lives. Gwen was a positive influence to all around her. Her positive attitude was her most recognized attribute. Gwen placed her hope and trust in her Heavenly Father, the Foundation of her Faith. Gwen is now Home.
Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC with Reverend Dr. Gordon Fletcher officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 102 – 1433 St. Paul Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 2E4.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or to share a memory, please scroll down this page to the area called “share your condolences.”
This service will be livestreamed/broadcast on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at 1:00 pm
Service
Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at 1:00 pm at
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
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Canadian Cancer Society, 102 – 1433 St. Paul Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 2E4
Service Information
Service Details
The service for REMPEL, Gwen is scheduled for Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at 1:00 pm at . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Springfield Funeral Home
2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
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Condolences
Please accept our sincere condolences. Even though we may not have seen each other since the early 90’s, we still remember well her hospitality as we did our AEF mission trips to the West. We will place some Gideon Bibles in her name.
God Bless,
Clint and Anneke
A true pleasure having known this beautiful lady as a neighbor for many years in Lloydminster; my thoughts and prayers to her family at this time and in the days ahead.
My sincere condolences to you and your family, Ed.
I’ve know Gwen since we were youths. She always was the nicest, kindest, person one could ever know.
It is with a heavy heart that I send this message of sympathy to Ed and family. I first met Gwen when I was facing the imminent death of my Mom almost 13 years ago. She listened to my story and very quietly and softly supported me through the process. It was as a result of this support that Gwen encouraged me to join the Board of Directors of the Lloydminster Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society, of which I ultimately became president. I remember her as a tireless and tenacious individual who put her heart and soul into the operation of the Unit office and of the Relay for Life which, for many years thereafter, was a huge success. I had a huge respect for Gwen and of her desire of putting others first. I know that she will be missed by you, her family, and her many friends. Rest in peace, Gwen; you fought a good fight, you have earned your rest. It was an honor and a privilege to know you. May God be with you ’til we meet again.
Sorry to hear of your loss Ed and family , left Lloydminster 18 years ago,but remember your family fondly. Hope we can get together for a coffee. I am at Michaelbrook Golf Club in Kelowna. Regards Tom Stanbrook (silver dale welding )
Dear Ed, Kurt, Lowell and Chris and your families
We sorrow with you in the loss of your wife and mother and grandmother,
We know she is with her Lord and Saviour whom she loved and served. Gwen was such a lovely lady, as beautiful from the inside as her outer beauty. She was a good friend and willing to serve and help in the church in Lloydminster. She will be sadly missed. Our prayers are with you all.
Dear Ed, Kurt, Chris and Lowell, I wish to pass on my sincerest condolences for the huge loss of your beloved wife and mother. I have known Gwen only for a short period but I was deeply impressed by her firm faith, positive attitude and warm heart. I highly admired her and loved her. I wish you and your beloved ones strength and support during these hard day’s. May our Lord bless you all and may Gwen rest in peace.
To Gwen’s Family,
I got to know Gwen during the time of 2000 – 2005. We worked together at the Canadian Cancer Society. It was during that time I saw Gwen demonstrate so many remarkable qualities as she built Relay for Life into one of the most amazing relays in Canada.
Anyone who knows anything about Relay knows it can be a beast with so many moving parts! Gwen was unbelievable with what she did. Every day in those early years she worked around the clock with the intention of giving the gift of Relay to Lloydminster. She was gracious, smart, creative, polite, funny, inspirational and the best possible example of what an extraordinary human being can be. Through Gwen’s leadership, the lives of – literally – thousands of people were positively impacted. And of one those thousands was me. She made a forever imprint.
Gwen made a difference in this world.
Ed and family.
Condolences on your loss. Gwen’s many contributions to the Lloydminster community will be remembered. She continued her interest and concern with her acquaintances in Lloydminster, sending messages when others were suffering from a loss such as you are..
Our sincere condolences to Gwen’s family. I (June) went to school with Gwen in Hillmond where Mr. Garret taught. Gwen was a very kind and considerate school friend.
To Ed and family. It was sad to hear about Gwen’s passing. But she is now in a place where she will no longer suffer. Gwen was such a vibrant person, a true friend to my wife Dale Brook who passed a little over a year ago. May you bask in the good memories you have. I’m sorry for yuor loss.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Gwen and all her family and friends at this sad time..
Dear Ed,
Paul alerted me to the death of your dear wife. I am so sorry to hear of her passing- I had hoped to connect with you and Gwen on one of our trips to Kelowna as we have many relatives there, sadly we will not get a chance to meet her.
Please accept our sincere condolences- our thoughts and prayers are with you.
George Enns and Joyce Tremmel
Our sincere condolences to Ed and your family, We were very sorry to hear of Gwen’s passing. She was a great Christian lady. Dorothy and I have known the Garratt family since 1956 as we were neighbours in the small community of Frenchman Butte. We have many memories of Gwen. Our condolences to Reg and Olive and their families. God bless you all.
Dear family of Gwen…We pray that you continue to know that God is carrying you through this hard time of loss. We know you have lost a gem. Gwen’s deportment in the time when she was processing and experiencing own earthly losses was a glowing example to all of us of understanding and trusting in God’s sustaining strength in hard times.
I well remember Mrs Rempel from Neville Gods school in Lloydminster, she was a close friend of my mom, Maryke Lomas. My sympathies
I knew Gwen for a few short years and feel privledged to have done so. Her kind and gentle spirit was a blessing to anyone who got to call her friend. The grace and faith with which she handled her battle with cancer is an inspiration to anyone who follows in her foot steps. I know that God has prepared a special place in Heaven for Gwen and I look forward to giving her a big hug when I see her in Heaven.
Evan and I are keeping you, Ed and all the family, in our prayers during your difficult time of mourning the loss of such a special lady. The Garratt family were not only patients of my father, Dr. Elmer Smith, but also dear friends. After many years, it was a privilege to renew our friendship in Kelowna. Just before Dad’s passing last year he quoted – “Only one life, twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ, will last!” From our perspective, Gwen’s life passed far too soon, but her impact as a Christian will live on forever!
Ed, Kurt, Lowell and Chris, I just want you all to know that I am sorrowing with you in this time of loss. Although I have not been in touch over the years, I have always wanted to come and visit just so that Gwen and I could catch up on all the things that the Lord was doing in our lives. Truly she was a woman of faith and grace. When she was a teenager she taught me Sunday school and, together with her family, helped me to understand how that faith is meant to be
be lived out. In time I came to have that same faith and it truly saved my life. May God be your strength in this difficult time and comfort you with the assurance that Gwen is safe in His Presence now and forever. God bless you all.
God bless you with comforting words, thoughts and gestures from others,,,may He also bless you with many wonderful memories of fun times, of words of wisdom you learned or watched in action. Auntie Gwen was a wonderful example to all of us even in facing loss and challenges herself, counting her blessings, keeping positive.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
Thinking of you and praying for you. Lucille
Ed and family, we pray that the Lord is holding you close and giving you peace during this painful time. When I (janet) moved to Kelowna in 2013 as Gerry’s bride, Gwen, who was one of the first people to welcome me to Canada, quickly became a treasured friend. Even when she was in Hospice Gwen’s concern for others was evident when she invited us to walk through the garden with her so that WE could enjoy the lovely flowers and saskatoons. Gwen is gone from our sight now, but we can envision her walking with her loving Father in his heavenly garden.
To Ed and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Gwen’s passing. I had the privilege of being able to work with her at the Canadian Cancer Society. Your tribute captures exactly how I remember Gwen – positive, spiritual and joyful. She loved her family, volunteers and community. She was always up to try something new, supported her co-workers and was an amazing, and inspirational, organizer and leader. I feel very fortunate to have known her, and send my deepest sympathies to you on her loss.
Ed, we want to express our sincere sympathy to you and to your sons,(though we have never had the pleasure of meeting them, Gwen spoke of them often. Gwen was such an exceptional woman, such a woman of faith and trust in her Lord in the face of adversity. She has been an inspiration to so many people, we valued her friendship and hospitality. she will be missed by all who knew her. May the lord give you peace Ed.
To Ed and family
I want to join with your many friends to express my condolences for the loss of Gwen. She was a dear Sister-in-law. She handled her battle with cancer with such grace and faith. An inspiration to many.
Our deepest and sincere sympathy to Ed, Kurt, Lowell and Chris.
We have many deep and precious memories of Gwen. She was a remarkable, gracious and tender woman who left footprints on our lives. Best of all, she left a legacy of faith that permeated her journey of life that was filled with joy and testing. She was like a rose whose fragrance filled the air when pressed.
May God be your strength and your peace as you walk through these coming days.
To Ed and family . I wish to express my condolences to you. Gwen was a dear sister in law and I will miss her kind and caring smile. She battled cancer with grace and courage. She was an inspiration to me. Rest In Peace, Gwen
Dear Ed, Joyce and I are with you and your sons and their families in spirit during this time of your individual journeys of grieving and remembrance.
We first got to know Gwen at First Baptist but got to know her better in our own home when she came to teach our sons piano lessons. She was always very patient even when the boys hadn’t practised like they should have. Gwen was also a person to keep in touch with friends. From the time we left Lloydminster we always exchanged Christmas letters and in recent years emails. We have prayed for her and you as a family during this long journey that you have been on. May God, and the wonderful memories you have, be your comfort as you walk on into the future.
Gwen brought life and light to every circumstance in life.. Her great thankfulness was evident to all. She was like a mentor to me in many ways and I will miss her quiet encouragement. Anne Salt Piffer Stirling
I loved Gwen! As cousins, we had many visits together from when we were young, and I have many great memories from Frenchman Buette to Edmonton to her coming with us on trips to Vancouver. She always had a positive attitude and was so gracious to others. I am so glad we had a visit last summer with her and Ed,, where she could get to know my kids better now they are adults. Ed, Curt, Lowell, Chris and families, know that your mom made a difference in many people’s lives. Your days ahead will not be easy, but with the support from each other, friends and all those sending their love, it will help you take the steps ahead to accept your new reality. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. With love and sincere sympathy, Meridel.
Ed, Kurt, Lowell, Chris… I was able to watch the service online… Your tributes clearly showed that you all cherished Gwen and you will miss her deeply…. We pray that God’s comfort would be real to all of your families..