Karl Wilfried Dierdorf was born July 11, 1962 in Matsqui, BC and passed away February 25, 2017 at the age of 54 at the Brookhaven Care Facility in West Kelowna. Karl was the 4th of 5 children born to Elisabeth and Wilfried Dierdorf. Karl suffered from Pick’s Disease, a rare form of dementia, and while his illness was lengthy his passing was a sudden event.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 30 years Lise Dierdorf, his daughter Rebecca, sons Patrick and Robert, his devoted mother Elisabeth, sisters Betty (Jim) of Quesnel, Monika (Lance) of West Kelowna and brother John Dierdorf of West Kelowna, many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. His very dear friends Brad Pavey (Rhonda, Kyle, Donelle and Dustin), Dave Tonge (Jocelyn, Jeff and Garry), Colin Gauthier and Steve Braconnier mourn his passing, as do his wife’s relatives Herman (Helen), Michelle, Jocelyn (Dave), and Daniel (Carol). Karl will also be missed by the countless friends he made during his lifetime. He was predeceased by his father Wilfried Dierdorf (1998), brother Frank (1954) and grandparents Anton and Marianne Rille.
Karl moved with his family to the Okanagan in 1976 where he attended schools in Peachland, Westbank and Okanagan College. He was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces militia unit, The BC Dragoons B squadron, for several years and was fondly dubbed “Krazy Karl” by his companions due to his often wild and sometimes silly antics. He met Lise in 1983; they married in 1986 and had 3 wonderful children together. He was a favorite uncle to all his nieces and nephews and could be found playing with the children at all the family functions. Karl was well known for his amazing sense of humour, his boundless energy and his never-failing willingness to help anyone in need. During his lengthy career as a mechanic, his junior colleagues admired him for sharing his knowledge and helping them develop their craft and his employers remarked on how he never complained about his work regardless of how trivial the task. He enjoyed his customers and inspired their loyalty.
He was an active volunteer in his children’s sporting events, most particularly in the speed skating community where he was a popular announcer for many of the competitions. His passions included fishing, boating and snowmobiling. When not pursuing his hobbies he could be found tinkering in his garage.
There are many health care professionals to whom we owe a huge debt of gratitude for their involvement in advocating and caring for Karl when he was most vulnerable; Dr. Harry Miller of the KGH Psychology department, Dr. Tara Sebulsky (GP), Dr. Bernard Lewke (GP), and Dr. Okarie (dementia specialist). Thank you to the loving staff at the Brandt’s Creek Mews and at the Brookhaven Care Facility for the respectful and compassionate care shown to Karl and his family. You made more of an impact than you realize.
A gathering will be held in Karl’s honour at the Valleyview Funeral Home in Rutland, 165 Valleyview Road on Saturday March 4th, 2017 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.valleyviewfuneralhome.com.
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