Sunday, January 7, 2018 at 12:00 a.m.
Kotkas, Dr. Lawrence
DR. LAWRENCE JOHN KOTKAS passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at the age of 85. Lawrence was born in Raymond, Alberta on January 30, 1932. He was the oldest child of Jack and Margaret Kotkas.
DR. LAWRENCE JOHN KOTKAS passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at the age of 85. Lawrence was born in Raymond, Alberta on January 30, 1932. He was the oldest child of Jack and Margaret Kotkas.
Following high school in Raymond, Lawrence completed training at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario, and served in the reserves. He graduated with his B.Sc. & M.D. from the University of Alberta, and applied for the Canadian Foreign Service. He began his Foreign Service postings, both as an M.D. and a diplomat, in Ottawa and continued overseas in the UK, Finland, Denmark, and Switzerland. He received his specialty, the D.P.M. (Doctor of Psychiatric Medicine) from both the University of Leeds and the University of London while also teaching at both universities. Lawrence was in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a young man and often said that one of the proudest days of his life was when he graduated with his M.D. and received his Geneva Convention card for medical personnel.
Lawrence returned to Canada to live in 1966 and went into private practice in psychiatry. He was the first psychiatrist in Lethbridge and established the first general hospital psychiatric unit. He continued as the Chief of Psychiatry in Lethbridge hospitals for many years. Lawrence was a pioneer in the field of nutritional medicine and was a founding member of the Nutritional Medicine Today Society. His compassion, advocacy, and determination contributed considerably to a better understanding of both mental and physical health.
Words cannot describe the depth of knowledge that Lawrence acquired in his lifetime. His joy was in sharing his knowledge in ways that would benefit everyone he encountered. Lawrence was also a gifted musician, pianist, baritone singer and accordionist. He composed original music and lyrics for his family that we treasure.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife Patti Clow, of 34 years, children and grandchildren: Kaaren Finlay, Kate & Jack; Melissa (Glenn) Price, Harrison & Nicholas; Alex (Diane) Kotkas, Jenise (Carsten), Shianne, Elise, Claire & Kai; and Kevin (Debbie) Kotkas, Ajax; Shawn Burke; Marla (Gord) Bloudoff, Ashley (Tom) & Braden.
A Memorial Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME - 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, on Sunday, January 7, 2018 at 3:00 P.M. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 426-6 St. S, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2C9.
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Dr kotkas. I am so sorry for the passing of your dad. Memories keep him with you always. Take care. Love Wendy
What a wonderful and remarkable man. May the love and good thoughts he had for family and friends keep shining bright within your families for that is eternal....... With sadness, Ken
My deepest condolences on your loss. For many years, Dr. Kotkas's wisdom, compassion and expertise were of great support to our family. His curiosity and open-mindedness put him well ahead of the times with regard to consideration of nutrition and supplements, which was much appreciated. It has been years since our last meeting, but I remember it was always a pleasure to see him, as the breadth of his interests and knowledge invariably led to insightful conversations. In particular, I appreciated his wry sense of humour and the perspective he brought to bear. He was an exceptional man. With deepest regrets, Dawn McCaugherty
Lawrence left an impact on me right from the first time I met him as a young kid when I came to the house with Shawn. I still recall Lawrence sitting at the kitchen table, impeccably dressed and offering a friendly and welcome smile as if it was yesterday, not 30+ years ago. He was an interesting man and we are all greater people as a result of having known him. Sorry for your loss and thinking of you, Shawn & Marla during this difficult time.
What an amazing man and an amazing life he had. He helped a lot of people from around the world. I can't think of a bigger accomplishment in life than helping others and he made it his life's goal. Lawrence inspired and continues to inspire me to be a better person. So sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of you.
Patti & family, we are deeply sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all. Love Carmen & Harry
Patti, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, at this sad time.
As a child in Barons, when Lawrence visited at Grandpa Gus Erdman's farm, he was a handsome fascinating fellow. After I moved to Seattle, I kept in touch with him at the family gatherings and and greatly enjoyed each visit - always amazed at his musical ability as well as his adventurous spirit. Goodbye, my friend. Glenda Erdman Barnhart
Thinking of everyone during this time of grieving. I hope you can find solace in the memory of great times you had with Lawrence. A donation to the CMHA has been made.
I taught Kaaren, Melissa and Alex at Agnes Davidson many years ago. Wonderful family. Thinking and praying for all of you. May we together celebrate Lawrence`s Life as a Treasure that we will always have.
Patti I was deeply saddened about to hear of the passing of Lawrence. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Our family mourns a remarkable man, Lawrence Kotkas, husband of 34 years to my sister Patti and part of our family, passed away December 27, 2017. The depth of sadness felt by myself, my sons, Rick, Troy (Hollie) grandson Cameron is hard to put into words. The passing of Lawrence leaves an emptiness in each of our hearts, his kindness and unconditional love altered all of our lives and his memory will always be with each of us. Rest In Peace dear man.
Patti I was sorry to read of your husband's passing. I know how devoted you were to caring for him as you juggled your work load. May the memories and accomplishments during your life together give you peace and always keep him close to you and your family. God bless you and may He give you all you need during this difficult time.
Dear Patti and your family, I was saddened to hear of the passing of your husband. It is certainly a difficult time for all of you and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. My sincerest condolences, Sandy Fraser
We share you loss as we remember Lawrence as such a wonderful family member. LIFE IS ETERNAL I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads Her white sails to the morning breeze And she starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength, And I stand and watch her until, at length, She hangs like a speck of white cloud Just where the sea and sky come down To mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, "There, she's gone!" Gone where? Gone from my sight --- that is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar As she was when she left my side, And just as able to bear her load of living freight To the place of destination. Her diminished size is in me, not in her, And just the moment when someone at my side says, "There, she's gone!" There are other eyes watching her coming, And other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "There she comes!"
I'm so sorry Patti for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Dr. Kotkas was an amazing doctor and human being. In addition to his medical knowledge and his musical talent we especially remember his love and compassion for his dogs...and how they loved him in return. He was always kind and went out of his way to be helpful. Great man who will be missed by all. Best wishes to all of the family
He was a wonderful man and so caring.
Loved having the Kotkas family as dear neighbourhood friends - like family to us!
Alex and Diane, I just read through your Dad's obituary. He was a very interesting and accomplished person. I am very sorry for your loss. Gary and I are thinking of you.