Erik Peter Bredal's Obituary
On 12/26/18 the world lost a great man. Surrounded by his wife, two kids and four grandchildren, Erik Bredal unexpectedly passed from cardiac complications leaving a void for all those who knew him. Erik was equally a proud Dane and American, born in RiisKov, Denmark and immigrating to the US in 1967. Born to Helga and Peter Bredal, Erik and his older brother, Poul grew up in a loving home in post WW11 Denmark. Erik’s work ethic and integrity were molded by his mother’s love and his father’s character. Sadly Erik’s Dad died too early, but accomplished great things. During the German occupation, he was part of the Danish underground, a group that successfully smuggled 99% of the Danish Jewish residents safely to Sweden and avoiding concentration camps. His Father was also a sea captain and police officer. Peter died when Erik was only 14, leaving his mother Helga to raise Erik and his brother Poul. Helga was an incredibly loving and special lady who holds a special place in the hearts and memories for her sons and four grandchildren.
After two years in the Danish army and completing college, Erik went to work as an electrical engineer, and it was during this time he married the woman he would be devoted to for the rest of his life, Vibeke. In 1965 Erik and Vibeke welcomed Charlotte into the world, and two years later Lars was born. In November of 1967, Erik brought his family to America, first to Rochester, NY, and then to Clearwater, FL. in 1969. While working for Honeywell in Clearwater, Erik took great pride in being on the team responsible for the computer that controlled the Space Shuttle’s main engines. During this time, Erik and his family proudly became American citizens. His love for Denmark and America remained with him until the end with every Christmas tree dawning both American and Danish flags. Another special Christmas tradition was the family Christmas Eve dinner which always included Erik and Vibeke’s oldest friends, Lizzi and Paul Henning.
Blending Danish and American traditions was ongoing as Erik and Vibeke surrounded themselves with a great group of both Danish and American friends. In 1972 the Bredal’s moved in to Oak Forest estates, a great neighborhood to raise a family where lifelong friendships where forged with such great families as: Joe and Rene Benedettini’s, the Reeves, Pasqualotto’s, Huffman’s, Colbeth’s, Morris’ to name a few. Playing soccer when he arrived in Clearwater is where Erik made another lifelong friendship with Helga and Kurt. The Viking society became another source of great friendships including – Ulrik and Larisa, Peter and Astrid, Erik and Dorte, to name a few. Spending time and partying with this great group of friends was a source of countless celebrations and great memories over almost five decades.
Erik’s influence extended well beyond his own family as he was a loved soccer coach for Lars and many of his friends, and the “dad” charlotte and her friends could count on for a ride to the mall or to be picked up at from the skating rink at 11:00 on Sunday. It was during this time he made the mistake of buying a leather jacket and then being coined “the Fonz” by Lars’ friends- a name he proudly embraced up until the end.
When the soccer coaching days were past, Erik loved to play tennis with his friends, and son’s friends, and then having a beer afterwards and talking trash – “Lars, if I get old enough then one day you will be able to beat me”.
Trips home to Denmark where always the highlight of the year for Erik and Vibeke- and for Charlotte and Lars and their families at times as well. Erik absolutely loved spending time at his brother and sister in-laws summer house -Poul and Birte- playing tennis and enjoying food and drinks on the porch with his entire family.
As great as a father Erik was to his kids, he was equally as generous and loving to his four grandkids. Whether it was Mo and Maya’s volleyball games, Carly’s soccer games or Nick’s jazz performances, Erik loved supporting his grandkids endeavors. But what gave him the most pleasure was being with his family on the back porch sharing stories, Fonz sharing words of wisdom and laughing at all the “veb’isems”
In August of 2005 Erik’s life changes forever. On the very day he was to hand in his resignation letter for retirement, he suffered a debleating stroke. A retirement that was meant to be spent, golfing, playing tennis, and traveling became one spent in rehab facilities, doctors’ offices and with permanent paralysis on his left side. Despite this sudden and radical change, Erik met this challenge the same way he approached every challenge in his life, with dignity, courage and resolve, with never, ever a moment of self-pity or “why me?”.
Simply put Erik lived a life of purpose, faith, passion for fun, friends and family, lifting the spirits and enriching the lives of all he encountered. Yes, Erik was a great man!!!
In lieu flowers, the family requests donations in Erik’s name to the American Stroke Association at www.strokeassociation.org
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