A sadness too sad to be true

The obituary I wrote for my dad after the longest day in my life.

KOFFMAN, Sydney

November 30, 1926 –June 21, 2011

Passed away peacefully at age 84 at Peace Arch Hospital, B.C.. Syd is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis Olson; his son, Dr. Brian Koffman and wife, Patty; his four grandchildren, the very pregnant Rachael (Nick Sowers), Heather, Ben, and Will; and his dear sister Sonya Fox and her children, Brandon (Carmen) and Lloyd. He will be deeply missed by his in-laws and cousins, nieces and nephews. His parents, Ben and Lena, and wives, Ruth and Georgina, predecease him.

Born in Toronto, Syd worked at Famous Players where he met Ruth, the first love of his life and mother of Brian. Soon he began his life long career with Pepsi, first supervising truck routes, advancing until he retired as VP. He was proud of his charity work with Variety Club and Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation (a lodge is named in his honor). “Mr. Pepsi” went on to run a successful B&B with Georgie in Whistler before retiring a second time to Langley and then to White Rock where he and Phyllis have enjoyed their association with the Rotarians.

He was a doting husband, a strong father, a generous brother, an engaging Zadie, a charming uncle, and a funny and fun loving companion: someone you would want on a desert island or in his case, a cruise stop. Syd was a mench who loved well, and was loved.

Compared to death, even cancer seems trivial. I will write more when I can.