Dear Paul and Kirsten,
Our heartfelt condolences go out to both of you, as well as to Marguerite and Fritz, Richard and Bev, and Paula and Brian. Please pass on my message to all of them as well.
Even though both Claire and Dan had exceptionally long lives, it really is never long enough. They will be missed by so many family and friends.
Claire had a genuine interest in people, and she tended to draw people to her, I think exactly for that reason – she really cared and it showed! She always asked my parents about each of us kids and wanted to know what everyone was doing. When I think of Claire, I think of a big smile and that voice which was so distinctive!
She was small in stature but had this booming voice and a laugh that would fill a room.
The Ederle family has so many connections with your whole family, and it all started the day my parents moved into 8803-36 Avenue NW. My parents were new immigrants, still trying to figure out the customs and nuances of life in Canada, plus of course, busy working and raising small children. When they moved into the house in Bowness, they met their new neighbours, Dan and Claire, and the rest is history.
The first English-speaking friends my parents made were Dan and Claire. Eugen and Monika were still learning a new language and they could practice with Dan and Claire. My parents were able to ask Dan and Claire if they didn’t understand how some things were done in Canada or if they weren’t sure what something meant when they were learning to read an English newspaper. You need friends you can trust for things like that!
When Martin and Paul were born just weeks apart, well, that was just the greatest thing for both families! Back and forth from one yard to another, one house to another and always together. When we moved into the house on Bow Crescent, Martin wasn’t as enthused as the rest of us. We kids were so excited (new rooms! A new house!) but Martin didn’t want to move away from Paul. But the friendship stuck, even if it wasn’t an everyday event any more.
Connections were always maintained between the Girouards and the Ederles. Fritz worked at Bow Woodcraft for a while and we kids always liked visiting with him and Marguerite. Paula and my husband, Jeff, worked at the same company for a while, although in different areas. My parents always enjoyed visiting with Dan and Claire and catching up on the latest news. We all were able to join for Dan’s 100th which was an amazing occasion where both of our entire families were able to all meet up again.
There’s a saying that I like: When you meet with your old friends, you recollect some of the finest moments of your life and find yourself in a joy that has no comparison.
I think that’s so true. When I think of Claire and Monika both at home raising their families, those were some precious days! It might not have seemed like it when both were busy cooking, cleaning, washing, and all the other chores, but they could both lean over the fence and just talk for a while………the best kind of friend is one that is always there!
Martin and Paul have maintained their friendship as well, which is pretty neat! Even though they haven’t been just across a fence from each other for a long time, some traditions are worth keeping!
From our family to yours, our condolences and our shared sorrow.
Melanie and Jeff, Nolan, and Taylor
