Karol Krotki

I first met Karol Krotki in 1966 at Statistics Canada where he was chief of what was then known as Demographic Analysis and Research Division. For more than forty years I have known him in various capacities, as a professional colleague, a friend, wise counsel and the world citizen that he was. Karol was bigger than life. He took great interest not only in his work but in his friends, family and in the world around him. He left an indelible mark on anyone he met. Living and working in Asia, Africa, Europe, United States and finally in Canada have him a world view and experience which he shared with others. I was always awed by his depth of understanding of other cultures, especially of developing countries. Karol always spoke his mind and was not afraid to question conventional wisdom.

Karol had impeccable manners and was extremely gracious in social situations. Someone referred to him once as a Polish Count, a remark not too much off the mark. He liked the finer things in life. He enjoyed the Opera in full dressed tuxedo. He also enjoyed chamber music, fine food and wines. He was a fine conversationalist and could speak on any topic and add something interesting and useful. We all will miss him but are richer for our time with Karol Krotki.

I doubt I appreciaited just how much I might learn in Dr. Krotki's course, or how often in my 30 odd year career as a government policy advisor these nuggets might become useful.

I doubt I was his best student, but the two of us struggled with the concepts and formula, until I came to understand much more than just the basics.

Had the two of us not met in the classroom, I would be much less of a human today.

thank you,

George Hough
Hamilton, Ontario

I first met Professor Krotki in 1979 in Saskatoon while I was still a student, during the annual meetings of the Canadian Population Society. It was my first such meeting, my first experience in delivering a research paper in front of a professional audience. I will never forget the collegial reception which Dr. Krotki showed me. From that brief meeting I knew immediately that this was a man of great intellectual capacity and influence, but most of all a kind man. Undoubtedly all those that have had the good fortune of knowing Professor Krotki share this very same feeling. Dr. Krotki will be missed by me, his former students, my colleagues in the department of Sociology at the University of Alberta and in the Canadian Population Society, and by his many friends throughout the world.

For undergraduates, Dr. Krotki was an ideal professor, giving us the core and the many insightful tangents, connecting us to the vast world of his professional experience.
As a graduate advisor, KJK was exemplary in the ideas and resources he shared, his unfailing supportiveness and his strong respect for timeliness, both for his students and on his own part.
For former students, Karol was forever dedicated, involved and the best of colleagues.

Since we first met during the World Population Conference in Belgrade in 1965 we have been colleagues and friends over the years.Sorry to hear that he is gone.Requiescat in pace.

Professor Krotki has left an indelible footprint on the Department of Sociology and has proven instrumental in the success of many of our graduate students. Having been a colleague of Professor Krotki for many years, I can testify to the significance of his many contributions in demography. As the founder of the Society of Edmonton Demographers, he has shaped the professional lives of many students.

Dr. Krotki left a legacy in the field of demography and his life is as inspirational as others who represented the best of his generation.

Sincerest sympathy and condolences to Krotki family. I took my first graduate course on Demography with Prof. Krotki at University of Alberta. His humour and teaching style will always stay with me. This great teacher and renowned demographer will be greatly missed by those whom he touched with his intellect.

deeply grieved to learn the passing away of Professor dr. Karol Krotki, a great civil servant, a distingushed demographer and scholar who strived for high standards in research. He pioneered the work of population census and surveys in many countries and contributed to building necessary instititions notably in Canada. He had also specially devoted himself to the advancemnet of population and development in the developing countries.

Dr. Karol Krotki will be sorely missed. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and pray his soul rest in peace.

Filip,
My condolences to you and your family during this time.

It is with sadness that I learned of Dr. Krotki’s passing. A world-renowned demographer and professor, Dr. Krotki was always generous in sharing his expertise with colleagues and students. His passing is a great loss to the academic and statistical community. My prayers are with you and your family at this time of sorrow.

Heartfelt condolences to the Krotki family. I met Karol for the first time in Budapest while attending a Population Conference. I could see in him a model of traditional demographers, earnest in scientific precision and clarity. With his demise, we have lost one of the founding fathers of Canadian demography.

Deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the Krotki family. An excellent teacher and an iconic promoter of Demography and Population Studies, Dr Krotki will be sorely missed.

It was with great sadness that we learned of Dr. Krotki’s passing. We consider ourselves privileged to have known him. We remember him as a vibrant person with a strong intellect who was always humble and extremely considerate of others. Laurie’s recollection is of a caring demographer who concerned himself with the academic pursuits of all students, not just those in his class or those he supervised. I recall the wonderful and enlightening conversions that we had on numerous occasions. I also remember how warm and hospitable he was to those who were not in the profession. He made everyone feel comfortable in his presence. For example, he made efforts to ensure that my wife was included in conversations at the banquets organized by the Canadian Population Society.

We offer you our deepest and most heartfelt condolences. Treasure the memories and celebrate Dr. Krotki's life. We certainly will.

Gustave and Laurie Goldmann

Sincere condolences, deep sympathy and prayers! As an internatioanlly- known demographer, Dr.Karol Krotki will be sorely missed.