Karl Odermatt

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

  1. Dear Ailsa and Family,
    I am so very sad to hear of Karl’s passing. We all met in the Jubilee Hospital Labour Ward when we gave birth on the same day (July 20th 1974) and enjoyed reunions with our babies for a long time afterwards. Although we have not been in touch for many, many years, I will forever remember Karl’s infectious sense of humour and how much fun we always had when we were together. He was a wonderful husband and father and a joy to be around.

    I’m very sorry for your loss.

  2. Courage, Kirsten!…and best wishes.

  3. Dear Kevin and Family,
    I was very saddened to hear the news of your Dad’s passing. Please accept my deepest condolences. I loved your Dad. He had such a passion for life, always smiling and quick with a joke. He was always so friendly and welcoming as is your whole family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Rose

  4. Let us remember the good times always. We will remember the fun and the laughter that we shared with you folks. You made our stay in Victoria memorable with lasting memories.

    Love and Prayers
    Dave & Julie Peterson

  5. Sincere sympathy to you and your family on your loss of Karl. We will remember him fondly.

  6. Hello Ailsa and Family,

    We were saddended to hear of Karl’s health struggles and most sudden passing. Chris always spoke fondly of his working with Karl during the Health Canada (HPB days). We enjoyed Karl and Craig’s visit in 2002 with happy times and memories. He’s been in our thoughts and prayers and we will always remember his cheerful smile and rainbow colored socks.

    Our sincere condolences from Chris and Kathleen Sudak

  7. I was very saddened to hear about Karl’s passing. I had the honour to work with Karl for a number of years when I was with the Southern Alberta District Office back in the “good ole days” when Health Canada did inspection work. Karl had a sense of humour that would bring rays of sunshine and make you smile no matter how difficult the situation. His sense of humour (and his socks!) were legendary. What better legacy than to be remembered with a smile?
    Sincere condolences from the McCarville Family.

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