Obituaries

Charles 'Chuck' Albert Rattliff

November 13, 1937 - October 13, 2021

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Obituary For Charles 'Chuck' Albert Rattliff

Charles “Chuck” Rattliff, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at the age of 83 years.

Chuck was born in Winnipeg, MB, on November 13, 1937. He moved with his parents to a homestead in Bonanza, AB, in 1938. He grew up there with his younger sister and brother, and learned to garden, hunt, and fish. He became skilled at all three and enjoyed these activities all his life, supplying his family with wild meat and fresh vegetables. When young Chuck, then known as Charlie, was ready to begin high school he moved to Kenaston, SK, to live with his aunt and uncle and completed his high school education there. He then spent four years working on seismic and pipelines and took on the dangerous job as blaster.

He then began his long career with the Alberta Forest Service, which he loved as he was an avid outdoorsman and had a deep caring for forests and the animals that resided there. He had a varied career that included fighting forest fires and teaching at the Forest Technology School. He ended his career working in Grande Prairie as Forester in charge of Forest Land Use. He was never afraid of a challenge, whether it was riding on the roof of a cabin in a flood, flying in water bombers, coming face to face with grizzly bears (that might have scared him a little), or ending up in helicopter crashes.

Chuck married Doreen Kyle on August 6, 1964, and together they enjoyed fifty-seven years of marriage. They had two children, Carol and Howard, whom he loved deeply, as he did everyone who joined his family whether through marriage or by birth. Chuck’s priorities were always God, family, and friends. He loved studying his bible and shared what he learned through teaching adult Sunday School and Bible Studies for many years. His wife held a special hold on his heart, and her welfare was of utmost concern to him right to the end. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren always knew their value to him. He was always ready to help his friends and neighbours and to share a good story with them. He is survived by his wife Doreen Rattliff; children Carol (Philip) Penner, Howard (Maria Edwards) Rattliff; grandchildren: Ian (Aerylin) Penner, Luke (Madelaine) Penner, Tia (Ryan) Ingraham and Morgan Rattliff; great-grandchildren: Ross, Reid, and Trey Penner, and Aria Ingraham, and he was eagerly awaiting two more. He is also survived by his sister Ella Wilson and sister in-law Leola Kaufmann.

Chuck was predeceased by his parents Albert and Verna; his brother George; as well as his brother in-law Don Wilson.

A Viewing will be held on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, from 7:00-9:00pm, at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 107 Ave).

Due to Covid restrictions an invite-only Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at 1:00 pm, at McLaurin Baptist Church.

A livestreaming option will be offered at mbcgateway.ca

As a family, we would like to thank Homecare, EMS, Palliative Care EMS, Dr. Advani, Dr. Barreth, and the staff at the Prairie Lake Hospice for their outstanding and compassionate care for Chuck as well as for us. Words cannot express our gratitude.

Live Stream

Services

19 Oct

Viewing

07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Oliver's Funeral Home & Crematorium 10005 107 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V1L8 Get Directions »
20 Oct

Funeral Service

01:00 PM

McLaurin Baptist Church 10913 107 Ave Grande Prairie, AB T8V 7P9 Get Directions »
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Condolences

  • November 08, 2021

    My greatest sympathies to Doreen and family. Chuck was a fine person who would willingly share his knowledge with his peers. He is the one who gave me a chance to pursue a career in Forestry for which I will be forever thank full. The world has lost a good and honest person, he shall be remembered. Dennis York

  • October 21, 2021

    Bob and I are saddened to learn of Chuck's passing. We have fond memories of his kindness and compassion. He had the unique ability to allow you to believe that you were actually doing him the favor when he provided assistance. We are praying for Doreen and family. Bob and Karen Martin

  • October 20, 2021

    I'm so sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. I have many good memories of sitting around the supper table, and receiving his kindness and joyful personality. I'm so thankful for the time I got to spend in your home. I will be praying for Mrs. Rattliff, and the rest of the family. With much love, Heather (Martin) Zylstra

  • October 20, 2021

    Molly and I so much appreciate Mr. and Mrs. Ratliff. In good times, and especially in very difficult times, they were a great support to us. I do wish we could stop by again to hear Mr. Ratliff tell a hunting story, eat some elk or deer meat, and hear about his love for God. I thank Gid for this dear man and the impact he left on my life. We rejoice knowing exactly where he is, anxious to see him again. We will be praying for Mrs. Ratliff and all of their family at this time. Rob and Molly Martin, Kevin and Yarlie, Kimmi.

  • October 19, 2021

    Sending love, prayers & condolences to Mrs. Ratliff & Family. Many days in school, we heard stories & tidbits about what adventures Chuck was up to. Loved when he stopped in at school & told us about his job. Sending prayer from Inuvik, NT & asking Gods Comfort to surround you all during the coming days.

  • October 19, 2021

    I'm sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. All of us who had the opportunity to meet and work with Chuck admired his honesty, sincerity , willingness to listen and help others. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Ross Risvold

  • October 19, 2021

    I'm so sorry to hear about Chucks passing . I only met him a few times . His wife was a long time teacher of mine. He was a big friendly guy who served the Lord. God bless his family.

  • October 19, 2021

    So sorry for your loss. Chuck was a great man. He was a friend and a mentor. He made a difference in my career and my life when I needed it most. I respect and admire him, and always will. I'll always remember his great stories. They still make me smile. Rest In Peace Chuck. Howard Scott

  • October 19, 2021

    I met Chuck later on in life but immediately knew he was a special man. It was his artistic talent that first caught my attention and I became the proud owner of many of his antler carvings . But as I grew to know him better we bonded over a mutual love of the bush, family, and snowshoes! Chuck was one of those folks that made a difference in this world. So long buddy.

  • October 19, 2021

    I will try forward my rather longer tributes to the office/family but would like to say this earth lost a truly "good" one but God took home a cherished one. My thoughts to wife and family in this time Gerald Sambrooke Fellow Forest Officer and friend

  • October 18, 2021

    Sorry to hear of Chuck's passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I always enjoyed meeting and working with Chuck over our Forestry careers....lots of great memories...... Don & Donna Law

  • October 18, 2021

    Our condolences to your families. Chuck was one of the great story tellers on his exploits with the Forest Service and Annie and I will miss him. We were fortunate to have known and worked with him in our earlier years .. Brent and Annie Bochon.

  • October 18, 2021

    My condolences to the family. Chuck and my dad Lawrence Humphrey were good friends and had many adventures together in Bonanza. " When someone you love becomes a memory.......that memory becomes a treasure."

  • October 18, 2021

    Very sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. We first met him in many years ago in Slave Lake. He was such a happy person and always fun to be around. Our sincere condolence.

  • October 18, 2021

    Our sincere condolences to Doreen and Family and Ella and Family on the passing of Charlie. We have many great memories of school days, as well as chance meetings at Bonanza functions. Charlie was always positive and fun to visit with. Cherish your memories and know that we care, Tony and Nina Czaban

  • October 17, 2021

    Chuck's ability to teach Adult Sunday School was absolutely stellar. He was by far my Mum's favorite teacher in this regard, and his lessons were something she looked forward to every week during the late 1980's thru mid 1990's at Bethel Baptist Church. My sincere condolences to Chuck's family.

  • October 17, 2021

    Our condolences to you,Doreen & your family. I first met Chuck in 1962 & worked with him until 1965. Since then however we enjoyed many get togethers at your house or at ours. I have fond memories of our fishing & hunting trips in BC, Alberta & NB . You will always be in our hearts & minds. Jean & Barry Nelson

  • October 17, 2021

    So sorry to hear about Chuck's passing. I remember his love for God and for his wife, Doreen. We often met up at the Ponoka stampede and hear about the family. . Darcy and I often remember his story telling and how we'd laugh and laugh. We know he is with the Lord but we know that you will miss him.

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