Fred Karter was born on April 10, 1923 in Germany. As a young man, during World War II, he served with the navy and worked at a hospital in Essen. His experiences there raised the questions which led him to Anthroposophy and so began his life-long commitment to the work of Rudolf Steiner.
After the war, Fred worked at a variety of jobs,
including coal-mining, while he embarked on a training in
accounting. In 1957, he came to seek a better life in
Canada with his wife Gertrud and his three daughters Jutta, Carmen and
Gabriele.
They arrived in Vancouver, then lived in New Westminster. Here Fred joined Mrs. Mayne's group and met friends to whom he remained close always. He pursued more studies in accounting. When, in 1970, he was hired by Chemainus Hospital , the family moved to Thetis Island where Fred built their home. Another move came in 1972 as Fred became Administrator of the Port Hardy Hospital. Fred built a new home there. He retired in 1988. Due to his wife's health, they moved to Ladysmith in 1993 and then in 2004 to Port Alberni to be nearer to daughter Gabi.
Fred loved reading, so losing his sight to macular degeneration in 2000 significantly changed his life. He also knew well and loved music, especially the music of Bach, Beethoven and Mozart which accompanied him throughout life. After his wife of 66 years passed on in summer, 2008, he managed well living on his own with the company of his cat, the caring of good neighbours and friends, the contact with extended family and good friends in Germany.
Fred had gifts for organization, gifts of
humour and friendship, of integrity. He was respected by his
colleagues and enjoyed the love of his daughters, grandchildren and
great-grandchildren. He supported many organizations
generously.
During the last 3 years, a small group of friends of Anthroposophy met in Port Alberni to read together - and to listen tothe music which was so dear to him.
This January 4th, Fred was hospitalized with a lung infection. He crossed the threshold on January 13 with family at his side.
1 comment:
Thank you for the article posted in Glimpses. It reflects a small portion of my father's life who was a very generous man and greatly appreciated wonderful composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, Bach and passed on the love of music. "Upward to you strives the love of my soul". Gabriele, daughter of Fred Karter.
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