Allan OTTERDAHL

OTTERDAHL, Allan (Al) Roy
1938 - 2012
ALLAN (AL) ROY OTTERDAHL, 73 years, died at Norwood Palliative Care in Edmonton on Wednesday, May 9. He was born at Indian Head, Saskatchewan, on September 29, 1938 the first son of Roy and Hazel Otterdahl, who predeceased him in 1982 and 2007 respectively. It is with enduring sorrow that Al's son David Allan Otterdahl died in 1995 at 32 and wife Karen in 1997 at 59 years. Al is survived by his daughter Lynn (Ray) Doering and grandchildren Sydney and Rylan of Calgary and in Edmonton by David's widow Shannon, and children, Kelsey, Katelyn and Eric, along with their step-father John VanSooest. Also surviving are siblings Bruce (Betty) Otterdahl of Edmonton, Carol (David) Walsh of Regina and their children and grandchildren survive with sadness for the loss of their much loved "Uncle Al".
Paramount among his survivors is friend and confidant Joan Boyd. Al felt blessed by her close friendship and companionship. The family feels enormous gratitude to Joan for her kind-hearted nature and the comfort freely given to Al at his most vulnerable and fearful time.
Al had many friends who embraced him with lasting friendship and prayer through the best and the worst of times in his life.
Al was an Engineer by profession and graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1960. The majority of his career was spent in Alberta with Sherritt where he shared his vitality and wisdom with various groups including Fertilizers, both production and marketing; Specialty Chemicals; the start-up of Albchem Chemicals; and later Thiopet and Westaim. He retired in 1994 and in 2005 Al was awarded the Centennial Lieutenant Governor's Medal for significant contributions to fellow citizens and community in Alberta.
Al's most significant contribution in his life was his exceptional wisdom, compassion, humour and outspoken nature which allowed him to develop unique relationships with family and friends. There will not be a day that goes by that he is not thought of and missed.
The family would also like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the Norwood Palliative Care team who cared for him in his darkest hours. Also a special thank you to his Oncologist Dr. Belch who gave us several more years we may not have otherwise had.
Al's memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 19 at 11 a.m. at the St. Johns Anglican Church at 11111 - 57 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to the Enbridge Ride for Cancer coming in June in Alberta and British Columbia.
To send condolences visit,
www.southsidememorial.com