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BORN
1931
DIED
2022
Carl Rektor Obituary
Carl Rektor passed away on April 21st, 2022, at the age of 90 years.
Carl was born on December 20th, 1931, in Gerald Saskatchewan to Emilia and Frank Rektor. He was the third eldest of eleven children.
Predeceased by infant Joseph, Frank, Edward, Joe, and Sister Anne.
Carl is survived by his three children; Mark, Anne, and Dan (Christine), and grandchildren; John (Katie), Justin (Anastasia), and Malcolm; siblings Amy, Stan (Marlene), Marion, Lillian (Bruno), Larry (LeeAnn), and Joyce, sisters-in-law; Theresa and Ruth, and many nieces and nephews.
Creativity, curiosity, and exploration defined his life. Gifted in music, languages, and art, Carl showed his aptitude in a series of oil paintings completed by his early 20's. Work as a commercial artist followed as did various sales jobs before completing his Fine Arts and teaching degrees. He dreamed up and illustrated inventions and toys, satisfied to leave his creations undeveloped, free to carry on to something new.
After 35 years in the KW Region, Carl headed to Canada's west coast, living there until his death. Although never getting back into the regular teaching stream, teaching English to Korean students was a particular joy for Carl. Friendships made resulted in him riding shotgun on a couple of trans Canada tours with adventurous pupils. He had a never-ending interest in other cultures and continually shared his intellectual curiosities.
Food was a constant passion till his dying day. Making quality soups, entrees and baked goods enriched his life and those around him. He collected piles of handwritten recipes from varied sources. Anticipation and enjoyment of seasonal fruits like cherries and peaches became almost sacred offerings. Although mostly a non drinker he once harvested enough choke cherries to ferment a couple dozen bottles of fine wine, another exercise in craft. Food was never a stale topic for Carl and provided intense pleasure.
As a non-driver Carl walked all over Vancouver and North Vancouver. He was at home in both cities and got to know the people and places along the way. Visiting sisters were treated to a memorable holiday, with Carl taking them on his familiar routes to his favourite places all by foot and transit. As a pedestrian he experienced his cities on a micro level which suited his character. The area's natural beauty and diversity harmonized with his continuous celebration of life's splendour. We say goodbye to a fascinating, caring, gentle soul.
Carl was born on December 20th, 1931, in Gerald Saskatchewan to Emilia and Frank Rektor. He was the third eldest of eleven children.
Predeceased by infant Joseph, Frank, Edward, Joe, and Sister Anne.
Carl is survived by his three children; Mark, Anne, and Dan (Christine), and grandchildren; John (Katie), Justin (Anastasia), and Malcolm; siblings Amy, Stan (Marlene), Marion, Lillian (Bruno), Larry (LeeAnn), and Joyce, sisters-in-law; Theresa and Ruth, and many nieces and nephews.
Creativity, curiosity, and exploration defined his life. Gifted in music, languages, and art, Carl showed his aptitude in a series of oil paintings completed by his early 20's. Work as a commercial artist followed as did various sales jobs before completing his Fine Arts and teaching degrees. He dreamed up and illustrated inventions and toys, satisfied to leave his creations undeveloped, free to carry on to something new.
After 35 years in the KW Region, Carl headed to Canada's west coast, living there until his death. Although never getting back into the regular teaching stream, teaching English to Korean students was a particular joy for Carl. Friendships made resulted in him riding shotgun on a couple of trans Canada tours with adventurous pupils. He had a never-ending interest in other cultures and continually shared his intellectual curiosities.
Food was a constant passion till his dying day. Making quality soups, entrees and baked goods enriched his life and those around him. He collected piles of handwritten recipes from varied sources. Anticipation and enjoyment of seasonal fruits like cherries and peaches became almost sacred offerings. Although mostly a non drinker he once harvested enough choke cherries to ferment a couple dozen bottles of fine wine, another exercise in craft. Food was never a stale topic for Carl and provided intense pleasure.
As a non-driver Carl walked all over Vancouver and North Vancouver. He was at home in both cities and got to know the people and places along the way. Visiting sisters were treated to a memorable holiday, with Carl taking them on his familiar routes to his favourite places all by foot and transit. As a pedestrian he experienced his cities on a micro level which suited his character. The area's natural beauty and diversity harmonized with his continuous celebration of life's splendour. We say goodbye to a fascinating, caring, gentle soul.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Waterloo Region Record on May 3, 2022.
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for Carl Rektor
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John Courtney
May 3, 2022
Remembering Carl from so many years ago, my condolences to the Rektor family.
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