Donald Bittorf

BITTORF, Donald George (1926-2008) B. Arch. Cum Laude, M. Arch., FRAIC, RCA. Don left with the glorious Vancouver sunset, on December 4th, 2008. Don will be lovingly remembered and honored by his wife Rae of 52 years, his children Blair (Holly), Graeme (Loretta) all of Vancouver, Wiz Wensel (Keith), and Marin Forsberg, all of Edmonton and his grandchildren Mackenzie, Genevieve, Teagan, Sya, Alexandra and Nicola, as well as many dear friends and colleagues. He was born in Edmonton on August 13, 1926 as an only child to George and Edna Bittorf. Don received his B. of Architecture, cum laude from U. of Washington followed by a M. Arch. from Harvard GSD. He received several scholarships and awards including Phi Beta Kappa national scholastic honorary and Tau Sigma Delta national architectural honorary. He returned to Edmonton to practice until 1989 when his career was cut short due to health. Over the years his firm's work was published extensively through N. America. Don was the recipient of many awards for design excellence. His designs were significant for his use of natural light, honesty of materials, and the relationship between a person and the created space. Some of his many projects included Canadian Western Bank Place, Dickensfield Extended Care facility, U of A Faculty of Law Center, Edmonton Art Gallery, as well as many private residences. Throughout his lifetime Don inspired many and was highly regarded. He had a wonderful sense of style and design and a great sense of humour. 'A master has gone but the beauty of his work will live on'. Memories of Don can be sent to www.kearneyfs.com . If desired, donations may be made to World Vision or your favorite childrens' charity. A tea in celebration of Don's life will be held on Saturday, February 7th, 2009 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Crestwood Community League, 14325 - 96 Avenue, Edmonton.