It is with a sad heart that we announce Erik Boddum at the age of 90 passed away peacefully in his sleep on Oct 4th, 2022, shortly after being diagnosed with late-stage liver cancer.
Erik was a man of rituals – He would start each day with a coffee, the paper and sudoku. Afternoons would be spent with a swim, a sauna, and sitting on his patio while listening to Danish cassette tapes on his Walkman as he serenaded his neighbours. Every Friday night was reserved for poker nights at the condo party room. No day would be complete without a call with his son or one of his sisters. Above all else, family was most important to him. He loved the time he spent with sisters, friends, neighbours and his best buddy, his son.
His lasting pieces of advice? Take what the day brings you, we just have to do our best.
His lasting example: the purpose of life is helping others, and find the happiness in every moment.
He leaves a legacy as a legend in the family, the standard of what a man can be: kind, gentle, sweet, funny, calm. He was the happiest man they knew. He was also dependable, always there when you needed him. Values he learned from his late father.
Erik was born in a small town in Jutland Denmark. One of 7 children he was the wonderful big brother to his sisters: Karen, Anna, Jytte, Hanne, Inga [deceased], Greta [deceased] and was witness to the great depression and WWII.
Erik emigrated to Canada in 1957 with his sisters Anna and Karen. Knowing no English, he ended up in Toronto with $10 in his pocket and quickly settled into life there working in local bakeries. He soon met his future wife Magdalena at a dance at the El Mocambo, and they made a beautiful life together in Scarborough with their adopted son Paul. Many cherished memories were made getting together with his sisters and their families north of the city, and his wife’s family in Pickering and California. He loved his bi-annual visits back home to Denmark see his late mother as well as his sisters and their families. Many happy memories were made over long meals, laughs and wonderful conversation.
Professionally, Erik became one of the most sought-after bakers in Toronto and worked for more than three decades rising to manager at Dominion. L ife changed dramatically after losing his beloved wife of 30 years unexpectedly, then surviving cancer. He took early retirement moving to a lakeside condo in Barrie, embracing a new life. He enjoyed 30 years of retirement, living them to the fullest with the encouragement of his late partner Joan of 20 years. How many people can say they picked up skiing in their 70’s? If he wasn’t on the hills, he was cycling, swimming, playing tennis, golf or working out. Summers were spent at the trailer up north. Though he slowed down in his later years, he continued to enjoy life with his dear friend Mary Lou. He also spent his retirement helping others, volunteering with the Red Cross for 20 years driving people to their appointment well into his 80’s. He will be sorely missed.
Donations can be made to the Canadian Red Cross or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Words of condolence, memories and photos may be left for the family at www.peacefultransition.ca