March 25, 1939 – April 30, 2011, age 72
It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of Karl Odermatt on April 30, 2011, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. To Karl, his family was number one. He was an active participant in his children’s activities and the extended Odermatt family gatherings were always a highlight. Karl loved growing up on the family farm in Ladner; thoroughly enjoyed his working career as a Federal Food and Drug Inspector and his greatest passion was basketball. In later years, he enjoyed his visits to “church” (casino)…. and who can forget the colourful socks! Karl is survived by his wife of 47 years, Ailsa; sons, Craig, Kevin (Katie) and daughter, Kirsten (Jay); his beloved granddaughter, Lizzie and a new grandchild due in July. He is also survived by his mother, Edna; brothers, Ron, Wayne (Bonnie); sisters, Lola (Eugene), Wilma; sister-in-law, Jane (Denis) and numerous nephews and nieces. To Ken McCulloch and the basketball guys, thank you for your support. A special thank you to Dr. Childs for his guidance as he travelled the final journey with us.
A Celebration of his life will be held in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 2:00 pm. No flowers please. Donations would be appreciated to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, if so desired. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
17 Responses
Dearest Kirsten,
“Every time we say goodbye, I cry a little..
Every time we say goodbye, I wonder why a little.
There’s no love song finer
But how strange the change
From major to minor..
Ev’ry time we say goodbye”
Cole Porter 1944
Dear Kirsten, Ailsa and family, Karl (Dad) was such a kind and gentle man. He was very hospitable to Sheldon and I and always so willing to lend a hand at the college. We know he will be missed by his loving family.
Our heartfelt condolences,
Nan and Sheldon
Hello Kirsten – I have just received this message about your father and I am very sad to hear the news. I wish I could give you a big hug but please know that I am thinking of you and your family. Your dad was the same age as mine is now and it is a reminder of how precious our families are, our parents, and the time we have with them.
My condolences Kirsten –
Your friend and colleague,
Nicole
Karl was a wonderful man and great friend to all who knew him. His sense of humor was infectious and will be missed. I know I for one will never forget the flourescent mismatched socks!
Rest in peace my friend. I’m sure all us “foodies” will meet again one day at the BIG planning meeting.
My condolences to Ailsa and family.
Mr. Odermatt was a client at the bank I used to work at. He was one of my favourites – always a smile on his face! I was just thinking about him the other day and I’m so sorry to hear of his passing.
I was very sad to hear of Mr. Odermatt’s passing. While it has been a long time since I’ve had the pleasure to visit the Odermatts I have fond memories of his enthusiasm and quirky sense of humour.
With our deepest Condolences,
Varek and Lottie Boettcher.
I’m so very sad to hear of Karl’s passing. He was a wonderful, wonderful man. I remember well the first time I met him, at a Middle Manager’s training course in Vancouver, Novermber 1982. Karl was larger than life (even with his substantial height!), with an off-beat sense of humour and that infectious laugh of his. I was an Inspector too like Karl, working in Manitoba, and had the good fortune to spend time with him over the years at meetings, courses and other such national gatherings. I remember in particular celebrating his 55th birthday during an International Standards Organization Audit course in Cornwall Ontario. There were many of us that were more than happy to celebrate the event, all the while criticizing his parents for having a baby 55 years to the day before we had to write a very difficult final exam on Friday morning. I don’t know how any of us passed.
And the socks. Everyone in Health and Welfare Canada (later just called Health Canada) knew about Karl’s socks even if they hadn’t met him. They were his trademark, every bit as much as his smile and his laugh. Karl was a true gentleman to everyone of every age and rank in the government. He always treated everybody the same, with gentleness and respect. I’m glad to have known him.
Hi Ailsa & family
Karl and I started at HC at 325 Granville St, Van in 1964 at the same hour. We did not work together as Karl spent his career on the “food” side and I on the “drug” side.
We all enjoyed Karl’s jovial personality and ever present good humor.
Our sympathies for your loss and the passing of this “great guy”!
Unfortunately we cannot attend the Celebration of Life service due to earlier commitments.
We are making a donation to the Heart and Stroke foundation.
Jim
To Craig and to his family.
Please accept my condolences.
I used to see Karl often attending track meets being an enthusiastic supporter.
Chris Garrett-Petts
To Craig and to his family. Please accept my condolences.
I used to see Karl often attending track meets being an enthusiastic supporter.