February 11, 1935 - June 30, 2023
In loving memory ~
Lothar Ernst "Ernie" Bartsch passed away at Queen Victoria Hospital, Revelstoke on Friday, June 30th, 2023, at the age of 88 years. As per Ernie's wish, there will be no formal funeral service.
Ernie was born in Danzig, Prussia on February 11, 1935, as a young teen he was forced to flee Danzig with his mother by ship to Germany. There he finished his schooling and trained as a Blacksmith and Machinist. During this time, he met the love of his life and after travelling throughout Europe they started a family. With a housing shortage in Germany and notified by a friend in Revelstoke that the Mica Dam project was about to start he packed up his family and immigrated to Revelstoke in 1964. He lived and worked in Mica Creek from 1967 to 1976 and then moved back to Revelstoke where he has lived ever since. While Ernie was able, he was a member of the Rod & Gun Club and the Freemasons and was the founder and head machinist of Mount Begbie Machine Works until a workplace accident in 1990
forced him to sell and into early retirement. He was also one of the partners that built the Alphaus Restaurant in Revelstoke. Ernie enjoyed his boat and fishing on the local lakes. He also enjoyed touring the Rockies with his many lifelong friends and family visiting from Germany. His interests included everything from building a trout pond in his yard to acquiring his private pilot's license. Ernie is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years Christa of Revelstoke; two children: Jutta (Robert) Maraun of Revelstoke and Ernst Bartsch of Prince George as well as three grandchildren: Krystel, Daniel (Laura-Lea) and James also two great-grandchildren Hazel and Angus that were very special to Opa. Messages of sympathy may be sent to Ernie's family by viewing his obituary at: www.brandonbowersfuneralhome.com. Cremation arrangements are in the care of Brandon Bowers Funeral Home, Revelstoke.