Karl passed away at home in Naramata, on July 9th. He was 92.
He had lived in Naramata since his retirement in 1984. He and his wife Swanie moved to Naramata from Princeton, where he was a sawmill manager, and community builder, and Swanie worked for Statistics Canada and at the Princeton Museum.
His passions were many: family; family history; planting trees; parks and wilderness; many charities; travel, in Canada and Europe, and far south; eloquent anger at poor public policy; advice to everyone regarding relationships; making a difference; not wasting time; good nutrition with high variety; exercise to stay fit.
He lived a long life, with fearlessness, a sense of adventure, optimism about relationships, gratitude for his adopted country and the opportunities it offered, his family.
Last Sunday evening, he had made himself a favourite meal, and eaten some of it. Perhaps he knew that the day would be his last. He headed for his bed. He looked as if he fell asleep in his chair, and at peace.
His children, Karl, Robert, Harald, and Harriet, their partners, and all the grandchildren, and caregivers, are missing him. We are also very grateful that he is no longer in pain. We are thankful for the wonderful care he received from extended family, and from helpers who became his friends and loved him well, and from community medical professionals.
There will be a celebration of his life
at 200pm on Saturday, July 15th,
at the beautiful chapel at Naramata Centre.
Friends who knew Karl are welcome to come.
Please don’t bring flowers. If you wish, give to your favourite charity, or a new one.