Skip to content

Erich Zeuch of Nakusp,BC, born in Nordenburg, East Prussia, passed peacefully at 90 years in the Arrow Lakes Hospital in Nakusp following a brief illness.

He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Dianne (Karafil) Zeuch; his sons, Eric, Michael and Tom; four granddaughters; five nephews, one niece and their families in Germany and many close friends. He was predeceased by his mother, father, brother and sister.


After working in Germany and France as a faller, miner and baker following the war, Erich immigrated to Montreal,QC, Canada by ship in 1985. He worked there, then went North to Chibougamou, QC. He continued westward to Toronto, ON, then Tillsonburg, ON (two years after Dianne moved from there). When he moved to Winnipeg in 1962, he chose to become a Canadian citizen. The West kept calling and he settled in BC.


Erich honed his baking skills across Canada and his expertise and reputation led him to Chetwynd, BC. He retired in Prince Rupert, BC in 1985 where he enjoyed boating and fishing on the ocean for ten years. At 70 years of age he started homesteading off the grid in the Lardeau Valley north of Kaslo. For five years he guided family and friends from Germany in grand camping style, to BC’s great forests and pristine lakes to hunt and fish. His best friend, Duke, an American red blood hound was always with him. He met his wife Diane, in Gold Hill in 2000, moved to Nakusp the following year and were married.


Erich was a son, brother, father, grandfather and husband. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, member of the Ontario Trappers Assoc. and Chetwynd Rod and Gun Club. He not only took pride in his baking, but truly relished the friends he made during his time in business.


Erich always loved being in and with Nature. He was fond of animals, had an amazing memory of his very early years, was a man of strength, hungry to keep in touch with world events, understood about world pain and suffering at an early age, and appreciated his later years of quietly enjoying his connection with mountains, lakes, trees and birds. He loved car rides and driving around in his Red Scooter and the people who came to talk to him. He chose Nakusp to be his final resting place.


The family is most grateful for all the very special people who assisted Erich through the many health challenges during the later years. He remembered all the effort and care, big and small. It couldn’t have been better. A special thank you to Dr. Lea, for making it possible for Erich to reach his 90th year.

Erich Zeuch was laid to rest in his chosen place in the Nakusp

Cemetery on November 27, 2015.



Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.