Klaus and Trudy Kotzian - Penticton Honourees

2019 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's

Whether hiking, skiing, cycling, sailing, travelling, volunteering in their community or spending nights out dancing, Klaus and Trudy Kotzian’s 54-year marriage has been defined by their love of physical activity. 

Since Klaus was diagnosed with dementia, much has changed in their lives, but making time to stay active has remained a constant. They now attend Minds in Motion®, the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s social and fitness program for people in the early stages of dementia and a care partner. 

“Since it started with Klaus, I’m the one who has changed the most,” says Trudy, who keeps herself grounded through attending yoga classes and line dancing weekly. “You have to take time for yourself and renew, so you have the energy to come back and take care of your partner.”

Klaus immigrated to Canada from Germany in 1957 and met Trudy in ’64 when she came to visit her sister. From 1984 until 2012, the couple lived in Tulameen. They have fond memories of their involvement developing trails along the Kettle Valley Railway with Rails to Trails and the Princeton-Brookmere Rails to Trails Society, and their work later became a part of the Trans Canada Trail. Klaus, whom Trudy describes as a gentle man with strong opinions, enjoyed the engineering work, most notably the construction of the trestle over the Little Otter River near Tulameen.

Trudy is dedicated to caring for Klaus at at home for as long as possible – care she’s able to give with support from family and connection to the Alzheimer Society of B.C.

“You have to surrender to the situation, or else you break,” Trudy says. “I have come to the conclusion that yes, it is terrible, but somehow we have to work through it and we can.”

 

 

Walk with Klaus and Trudy at the Penticton IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's on Sunday, May 5. Together, we make memories matter.