Ratzlaff, Arthur (1931-1954)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1954 Sep 2 p. 10

Birth date: 1931

text of obituary:

Drowns in Alberta River

Recover Body Of Young Man Who Slipped From Horse While Fording Stream (Reported by P. W. Friesen)

Crooked Creek, Alberta. — Funeral services for Arthur Ratzlaff, 23, who drowned Aug. 13 in the Simonette River, were held Aug. 24 in the Cornwall Chapel, Mennonite Brethren meeting house south of Crooked Creek, Rev. Abe Konrad in charge. Over 60 cars of people attended the funeral.

The body of the young man was recovered eight days after he slipped from his horse while attempting to ford the river with three other riders. Carl Johnson was also thrown into the river when his horse overbalanced. Young Ratzlaff called out, "I can make it" and urged the others to help Johnson. However, he soon disappeared under the water, and Johnson eventually made his way to shore..

The four men were bringing out cattle from ranches about 25 miles south of here, at least 20 miles into the wilds. The crossing was made at a place where the riders swam their horses across even at low water. Since the water was higher, Ratzlaff's horse began swimming sooner than he expected and became overbalanced.

The body was found eight days later by John Esau, Oliver Esau, Claude Toews, Conrad Judd, Walter Klassen, and Edwin Froese, and had to be carried three miles through bush country to a truck.

The tragic accident came as a shock to the Mennonite community here and especially to his family. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob A. Ratzlaff, five sisters and three brothers. He had been employed for some time as a cow hand in the backwoods. .