Erdman, Thomas Richard
THOMAS RICHARD ERDMAN, of Barons, beloved spouse of Anne-Marie Erdman, passed away peacefully at St. Michael's Health Centre - Palliative Care Unit on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at the age of 63 years.
THOMAS RICHARD ERDMAN, of Barons, beloved spouse of Anne-Marie Erdman, passed away peacefully at St. Michael's Health Centre - Palliative Care Unit on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at the age of 63 years.
Wrongfully accused Argentinean jail escapee, award recognized film director, and first ascensionist of Mount Kintla, the third tallest mountain in Glacier National Park, Montana, everything about Thomas Richard Erdman was, how he'd like to say, : "just peachy". Being strong-willed, but free spirited, he was a man that truly understood the essence of life. Married to the light of his life, and best friend, Anne-Marie, they lived a fast paced life, always finding themselves either sipping French wine in Paris with the extended family, or making a life as they raised four children on the family farm: Celina, Jean-Victor, Augustine, and Raphaelle.
Tom started off his schooling days at the Barons School from grades one through nine, and then graduated from Lethbridge Collegiate Institute where he spent most of his time on the football field. He then went on to the "Bozeman Ranching College" in Montana where he proceeded to learn what the Wild West was truly about: cattle, ranching and of course, the art of shooting guns. This schooling would help him throughout his life as he worked with his father on the family farm, but even more so as he would eventually start running it himself, as the third generation of Erdman's that have done so to date.
In the early 90's, he was appointed as a member of the board of governors for the Alberta College of Art and Design for his contributions and hard work within the art and film community. This was well deserved, as he had attended the Banff School of Fine Arts Film School where he seemed to have a keen sense of creativity, and a natural talent in making films and documentaries. By pursuing such a craftsmanship he worked on the Walt Disney movie 'The Journey of Natty Gann', and directed three films: 'The Dream', 'Pincher of Peace', and a short vignette that won him an Alberta Film and Television Award: 'One With Wood: The Making of Wood Skis'. He also co-founded the Pincher Creek Film Society and the World Aboriginal Film Festival with his good friend but more so partner in crime, Larry Becker.
An avid world traveller, he spent much of his time abroad traveling by the seat of his pants, making memories, and collecting stories to tell once he came home (many featuring his travel partner Zan Gullickson). Starting with two trips to Europe, first one to Iceland and London, and then the second one where they cycled from Luxembourg to Athens, sold their bicycles to then be able to visit Turkey, Greece, and Corfu via public transport. It was in 1978 that they went to Israel and lived with the Bedouin-Arabs where they camped on the Red Sea, scuba dived, and fished daily for their meals. He also hitchhiked through Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and Argentina, where he learned most of his Spanish from the inside of a cell with his Argentinean freedom fighter friends.
Bali. Fiji. Nepal. Need we say more?
In his spare time, he couldn't be found. He was as an active member of the Alpine Club of Canada, he was a frequent climber, skier and mountaineer, He officially set the first route on Mount Victoria found on the Alberta-BC border as registered in the Alpine Guide of Canada, and spent time climbing in New Zealand and in the Cordillera Negra in Peru. He passed on many of his passions, and teachings to his children, skiing with them regularly.
Though he was a well travelled man, his favorite place to be was on the farm in Barons Alberta where he spent countless hours tending his cattle, farming his land, and above all being with his family. We will forever cherish all of our memories, thank you for your constant love, unwavering support and inspiration to all; you will be dearly missed.
A celebration of his life will be held in his favorite playground, Waterton Lakes National Park, this upcoming spring.
xoxo
Guestbook (17)
Share a memory or send a tribute in memory of Thomas.
Not long ago I heard through my daughter that Tom had crossed the threshold. I first met Tom as a film instructor at the Banff Centre. for the Arts We became instant friends and I was eventually asked to photograph his marriage to Anne Marie. Life and distance moved us apart physically but the memory of his great and generous heart and love of family is still beating in my soul. Tom had a way of evoking a sense of love for life in all those he met. I treasure our conversations. Travel well on the other side my dear friend. You have been in my prayers regularly. My heartfelt love to Anne Marie and all the children.
How can we express our feelings of loss for such a good friend, a brother, and a one-of-a-kind person? The world seems a little emptier without this exuberant person. We hold Anne Marie, and the kids, Celina, Jean-Victor, Augustine, and Raphaelle, in our hearts at this sad time.
Dear Anne-Marie, Celine,Jean-Victor, Augustine and Raphaelle, I have a lot of memories over the years of this incomparable cousin of mine--always welcoming me with no notice. dashing off for another escapade, entertaining us with amazing tales. We were all lucky to know Tom and you, his family. Even though we live so far away, the summer family reunions helped to keep in touch and Tom's visits to Seattle and Blaine are unforgettable. I would like to keep in contact with you all and you have a standing invitation to visit me in Snohomish WA. Much Love from cousin Glenda.
To, Tom's family and my cousins all of you. I met Tom on a few occasions and found him to be a very likable man. I will cherish those few moments as, I am sure, you will cherish all the moments you have had, as would be his wish. Tom, requiesce in pace .
So sorry that Tom has passed. Our deepest sympathy to Anne Marie & family Celina, Jean-Victor, Augustine & Raphaelle. Tom and you all are in our prayers.
Anne-Marie...la triste nouvelle est arriv?e au del? des Oc?ans et , je tenais ? te faire part (ainsi qu'? tes enfants ) de mon soutien moral le plus profond et le plus sinc?re. Je vous embrasse fort , Affectueusement Dominique
Loss is so difficult for those of us who loved Tom dearly. From us sailors to another one xx 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!" ?
We have many very fond memories of cousin Tommy; for me, sleeping in a tent beside the house in Barons as kids, for both of us, visits to our house in the 1980's on his trips through Calgary. I still have his hair brush (left in our house before we moved to Vancouver in 1988). He will be missed. Ron and Kathy
Uncle Tommy was the most fun, interesting and wild Uncle ever. Inspiring and interesting, smart and loving. I'll never forget the impact of the painted S. American Sun on the quonset or the late nights when he arrived home to the farm from some exotic, far-away place. His life was a real adventure, and he leaves behind a lot of love and a talented and beautiful family that he co-created. We will miss him.
It was a true blessing to have known Mister Erdman. Some of my favourite memories involve him and his adventurous spirit: whether it was running through pivots as an attempt to cool off on a hot day or listening to piano in the park with him and Raphaelle, I will forever hold every moment with him and his wonderful family dear to my heart. We are sending all of our love your way in this difficult time. We are so very sorry for your loss, and we hope that you feel outpouring support in your time of grief.
Tommy was my best friend when we were very young . He was truly one of a kind . Very sorry to hear of his passing . The memories of our friendship as children will always be with me as I'm sure with many others . He is now at peace
We are so sorry for your loss. The Obituary was interesting to read and made a difficult situation a little better by bringing a smile as we read about Tommy's adventures. May the Lord bring you much comfort as you all carry on what Tommy gave you to lead on with. D'accepter mes condol?ances sinc?res.
Tommy was my best friend when we were very young . He was truly one of a kind . Very sorry to hear of his passing . The memories of our freindship as children will always be with me as I'm sure with many others . He is now at peace
I am so very sorry for your loss and I will keep you all in my prayers.
May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. My most sincere condolences.
It was with great sadness that we heard of Tom's passing. Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time. Tom and his generous spirit and kind demeanour will be missed by us all. Love and Hugs. David. Johanne and kids.