Obituary of Kurt Alan King

On October 23, 2006, at the age of 42, Kurt King left this world to begin a new journey filled with adventure and wonder. He is survived by his loving wife Kristi Soderman and their young children Erik and Annika. Kurt is also survived by his parents Marilyn and Leonard King of Houston; his sister and brother-in-law Susan and Rick Sullivan and their children Meghan, Hannah and Riley; and his grandmother Genevieve King; as well as numerous extended family. While Kristi is overwhelmed with the suddenness of Kurt’s passing, she is comforted that he has joined her mother, who predeceased him and with whom he had a special kinship. He will be fondly remembered by family and friends in countries all over the world including: Egypt, Dubai, Scotland, Malaysia, Canada and across the United States. Born and reared in Houston, Texas, Kurt was anxious to explore the world after his magna cum laude graduation in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University. Upon graduation he worked in Houston with Turner, Collie and Braden. Kurt then left for California where he tried his skill in the world of art dealing. This different world entertained him for a period of time, but he was called back to the challenge of engineering and he joined the firm of Lee and Ro in Los Angeles with whom he maintained a working relationship for many years, telecommuting from various parts of the world. In 1995 he returned to Houston to work with a long-time friend at Pate Engineering where he continued to design water systems. It was this return to Houston that precipitated the opportunity for mutual friends to introduce Kurt to Kristi, the love of his life. After a year of courtship, the two decided to marry, much to the satisfaction of their families and friends. They immediately set off for Aberdeen, Scotland where Kristi had been transferred by her company. Kurt was adopted by the locals in Scotland as he vigorously participated in rugby, sailing, and many community events. He also enjoyed traveling and exploring Great Britain, Europe and Scandinavia. While living in Aberdeen Kurt obtained a Master of Science Degree in Information Systems at Robert Gordon University. When opportunities arose in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Kurt and Kristi packed up everything including his classic Mini Cooper car to begin a new phase of his life in Canada. While Kristi continued to work in the offshore industry, Kurt volunteered endless hours at the Veteran’s Hospital providing companionship and coordinating transportation for the residents to Sunday church services. It was in Halifax that Kurt’s son Erik Austin was born in December of 2002. His son immediately became the focus of his life and Kurt was intent on ensuring that not only his needs were met, but that Erik felt the love and joy that family life brings. Looking to settle down and raise his new family, Kurt took a job with Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. in Calgary and enthusiastically set out to learn about the oil sands industry. In February of 2005 Kurt and Kristi were blessed with the arrival of their daughter Annika Elise who immediately became, and will forever be, “Daddy’s girl”. Those who knew Kurt will miss his unique sense of humour, his youthful outlook on life and his genuine compassion. If a contribution is desired, his family asks that it be made in Kurt’s name to a charity of your choice. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Crowfoot Chapel (82 Crowfoot Circle N.W.) on Saturday, October 28, 2006 at 2:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Kurt King, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W., CALGARY. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.