ERIK JORGENSEN, M.F.
Erik Jorgensen, the First Urban Forester, passed away May 25, 2012 in Guelph, ON. He was born October 28, 1921 in Haderslev, Denmark. Erik, his wife Gitte, and their 2 daughters at the invitation of Canada Department of Agriculture, immigrated to Canada in 1955 where he pursued a long, passionate, and distinguished career as a Forest Pathologist - at the University of Toronto, Shade Tree Research Laboratory his lab discovered the first cure for Dutch Elm Disease; at the Ottawa Forest Management Institute he created a national Urban Forestry program; at the University of Guelph he was Director of the Guelph Arboretum. During his life in Canada, Erik made many dear friends and inspired numerous future foresters. He authored over 60 articles and scientific papers on tree diseases and urban forestry; founded the Ontario Shade Tree Council; and was a Life Member of the Ontario Professional Foresters Association and a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Forestry. He always advocated the planting of native species to regenerate Canada's natural heritage.
  Erik was predeceased in April 2012 by his loving wife of 66 years, Gitte. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his daughters Marianne La Rose and Birthe Jorgensen, son-in-laws Bob La Rose and David Baker, grandchildren Karen Irvine, Jenn Wagar, Zeke and Stoney Baker, grand-son-in-laws Howie Irvine and Andrew Wagar, and great-grandchildren, Mackenzie and Penelope Wagar, and Warner and Jackson Irvine.
  The family will hold a private internment for both parents at Sunset Mindepark, Puslinch, Ontario. Online condolences may be made at the Gilchrist Funeral Chapel, Guelph, ON www.gilchristchapel.com and donations in Erik's memory may be made to the Ontario Forestry Association. http://www.oforest.ca/
The family wishes to thank the staff of Stone Lodge Retirement Residence in Guelph, and Dr. David Hood, his wonderful physician of many years, for his thoughtful and compassionate care.