With great sadness we announce the passing of Manfred Paul Dachsel who died peacefully in his home, with his loving wife at his side, on January 3, 2015. Born in Eilenburg, Germany on February 12, 1937, he is survived by his wife Gwen, daughters Karena with husband Nazim, and Marita with husband Kevin, grandchildren Atticus, Avner and Harriet, sisters Christa, Helga, Elfriede, Petra and Barbara, brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his son Dean, brothers Erhart and Deiter, his mother Paula, father Erhart and stepmother Lise-Lotte.
Manfred was a complex man with strong convictions and a cheeky smile. Never one to accept the status quo, at age 16 he left the only home he knew and escaped what had become East Germany, leaving his family behind, only to return once for a brief visit ten years later, and then not again until 2006, 2008 and 2011.
After working in West Germany and Switzerland, he made his way to Canada, first to Kitchener and eventually to Williams Lake where he married a teacher from New Zealand and stayed to raise a family.
An avid outdoorsman, he loved to camp, fish and hunt. Some of the family’s best memories are from fishing at Bella Coola where he’d catch salmon the size of his daughters or camping at Quesnel Lake where they’d spend hours on the boat, enjoying the once pristine beauty. He seemed most alive, most happy when he was in the rugged BC wilderness, which for him seemed to be the embodiment of freedom.
He was a jack-of-all-trades, working as a machinist, welder, carpenter, and at an abattoir. He had an uncanny ability to fix almost anything with what he had around the house.
Although he was more of a strong-silent type, he enjoyed going for coffee or beer with friends, and later in life, playing his luck at the casino.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Fedor, the staff of Cariboo Memorial Hospital and Community Health Services Home Support for their compassionate care, in particular Faye, Arianne, Kim and Melissa.
Manfred was never one for attention, so at his request there will not be a public service. He will be interred at the Williams Lake cemetery at a later date in a small, private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cariboo Foundation Hospital Trust.
LaPrairie’s Funeral Services entrusted with arrangements. 250-398-9100