Ulrich “Uli” Werner Grossler passed away at the age of 82 years young after a brief battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family and peacefully left in the home and on the farm that he loved.
Predeceased by son Brian in 2004 he is survived and will be forever missed by his wife of 54 years Betty, son Doug (Bev), daughter Kim. Sisters Karin (Bob) of New Orleans and Ruth (Gil) of England and their extended families and extended family in Germany. Sister in law Verna (Grant) and family and Daughter in law Kathy and her family. His adored grandchildren with whom he always had words of wisdom for and was so proud of them all: Celina, Jamie, Christopher(Melissa), Devon and JT . A bright moment was the arrival of great grandson Hunter Ulrich Grossler on April 21st; Opa being able to hold a “precious” namesake before he left us on April 26th.
Uli came to Canada in 1953; escaping with his family from his birth place of Hormersdorf Germany after the War; he was in England prior to Canada. This tumultuous time forever shaped his need to provide for his family and to always be “productive and working”. Landing in Vancouver he logged on Vancouver Island and the first ski run in Alta Lake (later to be Whistler – “if only he had known…”); he was hired by Pacific Great Eastern Railway in 1957 as a telephone lineman; eventually going to School to become a telecommunications/microwave technician.
Around this same time he met and married Betty Jackson on July 4th, 1958. They soon moved to Lillooet in February 1959 and he worked for PGE ,and then BC Railway until his retirement in 1986. Upon moving to Lillooet his dream was to own a small piece of property; which he found in East Lillooet; this farm was his pride and joy and they built a home there and raised their 3 children and later was able to share this with his grandchildren. The “playpen” was home to cows, horses and a small wood mill in which he made posts and also fenced many properties in and around Lillooet – his favorite spot was on the porch at the end of the day he could and would look at his piece of heaven and how truly blessed he felt. Never one to sit idle he always had a project on the go – on his 75th birthday Oma refused to make him lunches for the bush anymore not wanting him out alone; perplexed for a day he increased the cattle and last yr he tripled the garden space (much to her dismay) and was looking fwd to his second batch of garlic. Relegated to Foreman status due to his declining health he watched over his family slowly take over the running of his farm; but always getting the last word as to what needed to be done.
A life long farmer and outdoorsman he spent many years riding his horse; exploring Spruce Lake and Warner Lake area with friends – Derek Jones, Albert Old and Bud Laitinen.
Honoring his request for no service; he instead wanted a gathering to share a sandwich, coffee and a story or two so the family invites anyone who wishes to do this to please come to the Lillooet Elks Hall On Sat May 4th from 1:00-4:00 PM to do so. In lieu of flowers donations to the Lillooet District Hospital Foundation in his name would be greatly appreciated.
Forever in our hearts…..