Emil Bolleter of West Vancouver and recently New Westminster, passed away June 18, 2015, surrounded by his family, at the Vancouver Hospice Society. He was 71. Emil is survived by his wife Helga, stepsons Eric and Peter, granddaughter Emma, mother-in-law Hilde and his many close friends. Although his decline during his final months advanced more quickly than his medical team anticipated, Emil made the best of his time right to his end. He and Helga drove to California in February just after his last chemo treatment and spent nearly three months at their Palm Springs home, enjoying the warm climate and desert life before returning to Vancouver for more treatment.

Emil was born in 1943 to Helena and Emil Bolleter in Basel, Switzerland. He was educated in engineering in Basel and worked on engineering projects in Sweden, Germany and Switzerland before he immigrated to Canada in 1969. Since then, he has worked as senior project manager in Canada, Europe, Asia and Africa. He was highly respected by his peers, superiors and clients for his professionalism and integrity.

Emil led a rich and adventurous life. During his student years he joined many others of his generation to protest against war, the military and human rights violations. After his arrival in Canada he decided to take up horseback riding. Together with a small group of like-minded adventurers, he embarked on a lengthy trek through the Alberta foothills and beyond on horseback, before settling into his 40-year long professional life. He met his wife Helga in 1978 while both were volunteering on Vancouver’s Co-Op Radio. They were married 1983 and spent 32 happy years as best friends and partners. Their first house was on Passage Island, which Emil renovated from the bottom up without the help of a single tradesman. Camping and hiking with their two Black Labs throughout British Columbia followed after their move to the mainland, while later they traded air mattresses for the comfort of softer bedding on cruise ships to South America and Russia.

Emil’s sense of fairness followed him throughout his life. But that never stopped him from enjoying the good life that his profession offered. Emil was passionate about music, the arts, and animated political debate, which he mostly won. He had an exquisite sense of style in architecture, design and art and he loved a glass or two of a good Cabernet Sauvignon with Helga’s home cooking. Their home in West Vancouver was always filled with music. From jazz to classical, to eclectic, Emil had something of everything. He was also a role model to his stepsons and granddaughter Emma who miss him dearly, as do his many close friends. Mostly, he is missed by his wife and best friend, Helga.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Wayne Smith for his support throughout Emil’s illness, as well as the staff at B.C. Cancer Agency for his many treatments and Vancouver Hospice at 4615 Granville Street for the dignified care he received during his brief and final stay. Donations in lieu of flowers to the Vancouver Hospice Society would be appreciated.

A Celebration of Life will be planned in the future and announced.