A life well lived

This letter was originally sent to the Taussig family and is reprinted with permission.

Dear Carol, Abby, David, Naomi and families,

We always thought of Karl as someone with the stamina and determination to be able to stand up with courage to life's many difficulties. We can still picture that spark in his eyes as he approached a new project or a problem or challenge. Add to that the smile when he confronted you with a penetrating question or when he came up with a new insight.

Over the years, we really got to know Karl in many different ways, public and personal. Whenever Karl chaired a meeting, he had the knack for pushing aside all the extraneous discussion, getting to the core of the matter and suggesting a way to go, although he was always ready to listen to the opinions of others. He was a businessman of proficiency and integrity. He filled his life with so many good things because he was interested and lent his talents to such a variety of areas – art, music, literature, Israel, Holocaust remembrance, youth activities, athletics, etc.

It was always our joy to see him at lectures and classes and as an important and active presence at the shul. He always wanted to know more so that he could do more. There was a certain old-world charm about him, combined with a contemporary with-it attitude. We know of stories of his kindness and quiet care and help to many individuals. And everything he did was done in an unpretentious, almost bashful, way. I (Zev) appreciated the many occasions when Karl invited me to take a hike in the hills and mountains around Vancouver. I shall always think of him as a man who lived and died trying to reach for new heights.

We have shared with the Taussig family many good moments and sad moments. In your quiet family way, you are devoted to each other and to your husband/father/grandfather who was the hub and strength of your lives. Remember, as we will, all the good memories and find a measure of comfort in them.

"May you be comforted among those who mourned for Zion and Jerusalem and never lost hope or faith."

Zev and Phyllis Solomon
Israel