December 9, 1935 – December 26, 2014
Dr. Hans Edmund Flatla passed away on December 26, 2014, in Nanaimo, British Columbia. He was born on December 9, 1935, in Bassano, Alberta to Peder and Mabel Flatla. Hans grew up in Tilley, Alberta. He graduated from Tilley School in 1954. Hans married Mariel Kay Ingram of Brooks, Alberta on December 3, 1954. They were happily married for 60 years. In 1961, after being a hardworking farm family in Tilley, Hans, Mariel and their three young children left for an adventure of a lifetime! They first moved to Calgary and then to the USA. Hans, through the faith and encouragement of his family, earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington in 1967.
Hans was a very energetic, humorous, caring and well respected man. He practiced Veterinary Medicine all over Alberta including Strathmore, Calgary and Olds. He was the responsible for the development of the Veterinary Technology Program at Olds College. His duties as the Registrar of the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association were administered with a strong sense of fairness and grace. His last professional achievement before retirement was on Gabriola Island, BC where he practiced Veterinary Medicine once again.
Hans is survived by his loving wife Mariel, his daughters Patricia Flatla and Linda McFetridge (Tim), both of Edmonton Alberta. He also leaves behind his youngest son Keith and wife Karen of Gabriola Island British Columbia. Hans was a wonderful Grandfather to eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Stephen, Scott, Andrew, Michael, Travis, Richard, Amy, Shawna, Levi and Jacob. Hans is also survived by his sisters Alice, Glenda (Lawrence) and brother Raymond (Audrey) and mother Mabel Flatla. He will always be remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Hans was preceded in death by his son Darold Flatla, his father Peder Flatla and brother–in-law Gordon Skriver. Hans enjoyed life to the fullest and made many dear friends during his life. He will be remembered for his constant devotion and love to his family, his faith in God, his dedication to Veterinary Medicine, and most of all for being Hans. A Memorial Service for Hans will be held on Vancouver Island on May 2nd, 1pm at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Parksville, BC.