Obituary of Sebastian Fichtl

Sebastian Fichtl 1934 - 2017 It is with great sadness that the family of Sebastian Fichtl announces his peaceful passing in Cranbrook on Friday, August 25, 2017 with his six children by his side after struggling for a few years with a terminal disease. Sebastian was born in Salzburg, Austria on August 4, 1934. He spent his early years working in his father's carpentry shop, playing his beloved zither, climbing mountains and living life already then to its fullest. Wanting to see the world, he left Austria and found his way to Vancouver, BC in 1957, with nothing but $5.00 in his pocket and his zither. He continued to work in carpentry and explore his new surroundings with a renewed sense of excitement which eventually led him to meet his wife Irma Rempel. They were married in 1960 and soon had six children in very quick succession. Sebastian loved business and pursued countless opportunities, but his love for his native country and his zither drew him into the music industry. After a successful career with the Tyrolean Mountain Boys, he ventured out on his own with Sebastian's Zither and enjoyed many years serenading people with his melodious music. In 1993, Sebastian and Irma moved to Wasa, BC, where he was in his element surrounded by nature and the Rocky Mountains. He continued with his music and began beautifying the area around him. He left a legacy of nearly twenty thousand trees which he lovingly planted in Wasa and in the Wild Horse. His excitement for travelling continued into his later years and he was proud to say he visited over 80 countries and played his zither on every continent. His passion and zest for life remained until the end. Sebastian is survived by his children Esther (Alex), Andrea (Laurier), Susi (Henry), Resi (Steve), Laura and Martin (Jennifer); his fourteen grandchildren Colby, Kyle, Brent, Nicole, Emily, Melissa, Jessica, Adam, Sierra, Cedar, Alex, Sebastian, Jasmine and Emma and his numerous nieces and nephews in Canada, USA and Europe. He was predeceased by his wife Irma in 2003, his parents Maria and Felix and his brothers Felix and Otto. A Celebration of Life will be held on: Friday, October 6, 2017 at 1:00 pm at the Pitt Meadows Golf Club (13615 - Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, BC). Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com