Image: Strahl family / The late Chuck Strahl, former Member of Parliament for Chilliwack, has passed away after a courageous battle with mesothelioma, his family announced Wednesday. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Former Chilliwack MP Chuck Strahl passes

Former Chilliwack MP Chuck Strahl has passed

Aug 14, 2024 | 4:01 PM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack resident Chuck Strahl, an 18-year Member of Parliament serving the Chilliwack community dating back to the early 1990s, has passed at the age of 67.

Current Chilliwack MP Mark Strahl made the announcement on social media Wednesday, saying his dad passed Tuesday, August 13 after a courageous battle and exemplary battle with mesothelioma.

“Our loss is deep and profound. Our Dad was our best friend, our greatest defender, our biggest promoter and our rock,” the Strahl children wrote about their beloved dad. “We will share more details on his celebration of life in the days ahead, and thank you for all of the love and sympathy that has already been shared.”

Chuck was born on February 25, 1957 in New Westminster to Bill and Martha Strahl. He grew up in a logging family and moved around rural B.C. as a kid, eventually settling in Ryder Lake in Chilliwack when he was 10 years old, a community where he would eventually meet the love of his life, Debby Bateman. They married in 1975.

“Their relationship was a beautiful example of love, honour, commitment and companionship for nearly 50 years,” the family said. “Dad loved Mom with all his heart, and he made sure that his kids and everyone he met in his life knew it and saw it. They perfectly complimented each other and were hopelessly devoted to one another.”

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They were blessed with four children: Karina, Mark, Loni and Kyla, who collectively returned the favour by blessing their parents with 13 grandchildren

“Dad was so proud of his wife, children, their spouses, and his grandchildren and considered them his greatest joy and legacy,” the family wrote.

Chuck’s deep and abiding Christian faith was a central tenet of his life that brought him meaning, hope and purpose. Chuck and Debby were members of the Chilliwack Alliance Church, where they grew in their faith together and served in several different leadership roles.

“Dad lived out his values in every aspect of his life, and was known for his honour, integrity and faithfulness to all those who knew him,” the Strahl kids said in a shared statement.

In 1993, Chuck changed careers by running for public office and becoming a legislator after many years in the family logging business. He was elected as a federal Member of Parliament in six consecutive elections, serving the people of Chilliwack and the surrounding area for 18 years as a gifted communicator and leader. He served in a variety of prominent positions and was appointed to Cabinet in 2006, where he served in the roles of Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and Minister of Transport until his retirement from politics in 2011.

“While he was a very successful politician with many accomplishments during his time in office, he didn’t let his job define who he was,” the family said. “He never lost sight of what was truly important: his faith, his family and his friends.”