Obituary of Edward John KARPETZ

September 12, 1952 – December 11, 2010 Ed passed away at the Rockyview Hospital at the age of 58 after bravely facing ALS for 2 years. He will always be lovingly remembered by his three children Jonathan, Lindsay and Caitlin; his two sisters Linda (John and Mathew) Broschak and Diane (Val, Melissa, Steven and Jack) Mirosh, of Calgary; and his many friends especially his dear friend Nancy. Ed was born in Winnipeg and attended the U of C before joining the Canadian Forces in 1974. He received his pilot wings in 1976 and served as a fighter pilot in both Cold Lake and Baden-Sollingen, Germany where he flew CF 104s with 421 Squadron. Ed returned to Edmonton in 1982 to earn his degree in dentistry. He served as a military dentist, including a tour in Somalia in 1993. The desire to fly never left Ed and he once again took to the air as a CF pilot in 1998, this time flying helicopters. He served twice in Bosnia-Herzegovina and finished his military career as the Commanding Officer of 400 Tactical Helicopter Squadron. Ed was flying with Air Sprint in 2008 when he was diagnosed with ALS. Over the past 2 years, this devastating illness gradually took away Ed’s ability to do the things he loved, but he faced the journey with amazing grace and with his unfailing, quirky sense of humour firmly intact. Ed was proud to be the 2010 Ambassador for Betty’s Run for ALS. The load on Ed and his family was made lighter by the love and support of many family and friends, most importantly “Aunty Linda”; the amazing support of Jane and the team at the ALS Society of Alberta; special thanks to Amy, Allah and Judith who walked beside us all these difficult months. A viewing followed by a celebration of Ed’s life will take place starting at 10 a.m. at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Friday, December 17, 2010. Graveside Service to follow in the Field of Honour at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the ALS Society of Alberta. Messages of condolence may be sent to # 1501, 525 – 75 Avenue S.W. In living memory of Ed Karpetz, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403)243-8200