Eric Benkestock WANG

WANG, Erik Benkestock

Died peacefully in Ottawa on November 14th, 2012, aged 80, after a long illness. Wonderful husband of Anne (née Rottboell Ulrich) for 51 years; dedicated and interested father of Michael and Charlotte. Born Oct. 31, 1932, in Montreal, to proud parents Aage and Marthe. A graduate of McGill University, with degrees in English Literature and Law, Erik was called to the Quebec Bar in 1958, and then joined the Canadian Foreign Service the same year, serving in Denmark, where he met his bride, Norway, India, the United Nations in New York, Denmark again (Ambassador) and Iraq (Ambassador). He and Anne retired to Ste. Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec, in 1995, before returning to Ottawa in 2010. Erik dedicated his retirement to volunteer work for the community, actively leading environmental and hospital fundraising initiatives. He will be remembered for his dry humour and brilliant writing, notably; co-authoring My Fur Lady, the 1957 McGill student musical review hit that toured the country and was on the bill during the inaugural year of the Stratford Festival. An avid cross-country skier and dog-lover, Erik could always be found on the trail with a trusty hound at his side in retirement. Services to be held at Holy Trinity Church, located at 12 Rue Prefontaine West, Ste-Agathe-Des-Monts, Quebec at 1 pm Saturday, November 17th, light reception and interment to follow at the Clark Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Canadian Parkinson Society. Tributes, donations and condolences may be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com.