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Karl Erdman Obituary
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10 Entries
Doreen Boitard
September 18, 2014
Dear Barb and Family, You have been in my thoughts for some time, I wanted you to know how sorry I was to learn that your father had passed away. Whenever you spoke of your Dad and Mom at our house I always noticed it was always with love and respect. Keep those precious memories Barb. Much love.
Marie-Francoise Le Doze
September 11, 2014
It's been a month today since Karl passed away. I arrived from Edmonton that day and I had not seen him for 2 months. Unfortunately I was not able to say my goodbyes. He was the most amazing man I got to meet. I was privileged to be welcome in his family when I was 20 years old. I was almost new to Canada, somewhat lost and confused (Dorothy's words) and could barely speak English. Yet Dorothy and Karl offered me free shelter and food the very first night they met me, for as long as I wished. I jumped at the chance! I moved in their basement 6 weeks later. Meeting the Erdmans defined who I became. Karl found me a job on campus. Linda fascinated me with her stories about bushcamps, therefore I became a bush camp cook. Ann became one of my best friends and Barb was my 3rd little sister. When I applied to be a mature student, Karl vouched for me and gave the registrar office a great reference. Thanks to him, I am the first child in my family of my generation to have gone to university. Karl and Dorothy accepted me, flaws and all, as I am. They always supported whatever I chose to do. Karl was the most amazing human being I came across. I never, absolutely never heard him criticize someone, never heard him gossip, never heard him swear, never heard him raise his voice. He was above all that! He was fascinating. His knowledge was astounding. When he explained to me how a cyclotron works, he did it in such a way that I understood! Amazing, since I have no scientific background. He would come to pick me up at the airport, give me a big bear hug (He was 6 feet 3 and I am 5 feet 1) and he would get up at the crack of dawn to take me back. Even when he was sick, he wanted to be wakened so he could say goodbye. His faith was also unmovable. The last time, I saw him, on May 20th, we celebrated his birthday. He said grace and prayed for a lady in his church who is sick. It did not pray for himself! He was self-effacing. He called me his fourth daughter and I will be forever grateful for having had the chance to be part of his life, forever humble by his greatness. I miss him just as much as I miss Dorothy. A lot!
Yolanda Bouwman
August 28, 2014
Dear Linda, Ann and Barbara,
I feel honoured to have met your dad in the last year. He and your mom we instrumental in assisting a friend of theirs to make a generous gift to Surrey Memorial Hospital. I met him for tea at his home in Vancouver and was struck by all the connections we had in common thanks to his involvement within the Church and Regent College. He spoke so proudly of all of you. I echo the sentiments others have written... he is now celebrating with his Lord and Dorothy the love of his life.
Every now and again, we are blessed in crossing paths with someone who leaves an impression that won't soon be forgotten. Karl Erdman was such a man. When I shared with my colleagues that your dad was ill, three of them said immediately, "Oh I remember well meeting Dr. and Mrs. Erdman... they were special."
May you all know the blessings of community and close friends, but especially the fellowship of our Lord as you journey without mom and dad.
August 26, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Linda, Ann and Barbara in this very mournful time. May the Peace of God guide you all and offer comfort throughout this difficult period.
Audrey Davis
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August 26, 2014
To Linda, Ann, and Barbara,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time as you mourn the loss of your dad, but also as you celebrate his new new life with our Lord Jesus. May God comfort you all and uphold you with His everlasting arms. We are sorry we could not make it to the funeral service.
Mai (nee Karise) and Martin Pedersen
W
August 25, 2014
With deepest sympathy, Raili & Karen
Barbara Gullickson
August 21, 2014
We regret that we will not be able to attend the funeral. Karl was truly an amazing man. I wish we had had more time with him. Short story: I was flying back to Calgary from Phoenix, AZ in the winter one time. The flight was delayed and I with other disgruntled travelers were just waiting. The man next to me started a conversation and I told myself not to be so grumpy. I responded. He was a physicist coming from L.A. to a conference in Edmonton. The only person I knew in that profession was Karl. When traveling it is frustrating to be asked if you know Joe Blow who lives in Toronto when you live in Calgary! However, I plowed on, "I know this is a way-out question, but do you know Karl Erdman?" "Oh, yes," he said. "We went to the U of A together. In fact, I will see him at the conference in Edmonton?"
Love and Blessing to his family
Rick Baartman
August 20, 2014
Karl was known at TRIUMF for his kindness, humour and his booming laugh. I worked with him, but mostly in the 80s. Far before that, in highschool in 1969 I learned physics from a textbook to which he contributed. I've been in physics ever since. Blessings to his children and extended family.
Jenny Forst
August 17, 2014
RIP Mr. Erdman. We are so sorry you have left us, but are happy to know you are celebrating in heaven with Mrs. Dorothy - your beautiful wife whom we also miss so much. I still drive past your old neighbourhood and reminisce of the good times we shared in your beautiful home with our families so long ago. I cherish those memories and they will always be forever special to me. Thank you for your legacy and for giving the world 3 very gifted and beautiful daughters.
You are loved and will be missed by us all.
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