Eric George Rempel

Obituary

Dad rarely followed a map; not on roads, not in society, and certainly not in life. He believed the best route was guided by curiosity, wonder, and reverence for the natural world. He was less interested in following well-worn paths and more drawn to exploring new ways of thinking and living.

Eric was born to George and Katie Rempel who were farming in the Grunthal, Manitoba area at the time. When he was a young teen, the family moved to the Niagara area of Ontario, relocating back to Manitoba eight months later to settle on a farm in the Randolph area. Born near Grunthal, Manitoba, Eric grew up on a family farm near Randolph, where his love of learning and agriculture took root. After completing a degree in agriculture and later a Master of Science from the University of Manitoba, he pursued two lifelong dreams: off-farm work and overseas service. His path led first to Toronto, where poignant experiences deepened his understanding of the scripture, “To whom much is given, much will be required,” a conviction that shaped his life’s work.

From 1968 to 1974, Eric worked in Botswana with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), teaching agricultural and technical skills. During a whirlwind 31/2-month visit back to Manitoba in 1971, he courted and married the love of his life, Mary. Together they returned to Botswana, where their daughter Monica was born in 1973. Returning to Manitoba, where son Mark was born, he briefly farmed before choosing a new path. In 1976, he and Mary moved to Ethiopia, where he worked in solidarity with local farmers and leaders responding to famine; an experience that deeply shaped his worldview.

Back in Canada, the family settled in Niverville in 1980, during which time Eric worked with MCC’s Native Concerns program, partnering with Indigenous communities on locally led projects such as community gardens and small-scale wild rice enterprises. A sabbatical to complete his master’s thesis took the family to Tanzania, and he later consulted for organizations including CIDA, MCC, and Lutheran World Service.

In retirement, Eric’s passion for sustainability flourished through the founding of the Southeast Transition Initiative (SETI) and contributions to the Carillon News column, Rethinking Lifestyles. Faith was a steady current throughout his life, and his belief in the church as a gathering place for community action never wavered.

His understanding of family extended far beyond blood. Over the years, he and Mary embraced Girma Habte and family and Ana Ramos and family as part of their chosen family, who enriched his life and surrounded him with love.

The Celebration of Eric’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Grace Mennonite Church, Steinbach, MB, with private burial prior to the service.