It is with great sadness the family announces the death of Karl Alkier. Karl was taken suddenly from us on December 19th, 2009. Karl was born in Weilmunster, Germany on January 18th, 1956 and was the son of Karl (Drago) Alkier and Anna (Anica) Alkier. Karl came to Canada with his parents at a very young age where he resided in Dauphin, Manitoba for the majority of his childhood, until he was 19 years old. Karl moved to Thunder Bay where he attended Confederation College and later began working at McKellar General Hospital as an orderly and later moved to the maintenance department. It was there where he met his wife, Helen Alkier (Swiatlowski), who was a registered nurse. Soon after they were married and had their first daughter, Caroline. Soon to follow were their daughters Stephanie and Diane. Sadly in 1996 Karl lost the love of his life, Helen.
Shortly after, Karl left McKellar Hospital and opened a framing and picture gallery with his brother Richard Alkier which they operated for seven years together. After raising his daughters, and seeing them through college, Karl was ready to start a new chapter in his life which included travelling to such places as Croatia where he instantly fell in love with the beauty of the country. His travels also brought him to Penticton, B.C. where he reconnected with his childhood friend Kris Walterson. While in Penticton, he formed many friendships especially with his roommate and dear friend Corrie Lundstrom. Karl loved to cook and entertain friends and family. Whenever there would be a gathering, you could find Karl in the kitchen preparing food and drinks for everyone. On a Sunday afternoon most often you would find Karl in the kitchen baking fresh bread and preparing an authentic European dish. As a young boy, Karl would observe his mother Anna in her kitchen, and learned everything about cooking from her.
Whenever you would see Karl, he would have a camera in his hand. He enjoyed taking photos of landscapes and people. He was a natural, but had much influence from his father Karl who was a professional photographer in Dauphin, Manitoba. He always saw the beauty in everything and captured it.
In the last few years of his life, Karl became an avid writer. His words made you laugh, made you cry and more importantly they made you think. He told stories through his words and enjoyed sharing them.
Karl was a true music lover. Any kind of "good" music, he appreciated. He thoroughly enjoyed listening to his brother Richard (Ricky) strum on his many guitars. Karl appreciated his brother’s gift, and was his biggest fan. Karl was an avid outdoorsman. He appreciated nature and enjoyed walking, fishing, hunting, camping and boating. He enjoyed fishing around various Northwestern Ontario lakes with his friends in every season. Karl was a true handyman. He built everything from toys, saunas to houses. He enjoyed helping his daughters with home improvements, teaching them at the same time.
Although Karl enjoyed many things in life, his true love was family and friends. He was a man of devotion, knowledge, protection, respect and loyalty. Karl enjoyed life, laughter and being surrounded by those most important to him.
In the words of Karl Alkier:
"My answer to life is, hold on to it, create it, nurture its soul, but most importantly share it, if you can". Karl Alkier (June 2008).
Karl is survived by his mother Anna (Anica), brother Richard (Marlene), daughters Caroline, Stephanie and Diane (Steven). Karl is predeceased by his twin brothers Drago and Zeljko, his wife Helen and his father Karl (Drago).
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday January 9th at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street, presided by Rev. Msgr. P. M. Stilla, V.G. of St. Patrick`s Cathedral. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the time of Service.
On-Line Condolences may be offered at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca
