Obituary of Bernd Jochen Kurz

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bernd Kurz, son of the late Marta (née Rapp) and Hans Kurz, on Sunday, February 6, 2022, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton. Bernd left us peacefully after a lengthy illness, while comforted by family. He was 79 years old. Bernd is survived by his children Monica Kurz (spouse Darcy) and Michael Kurz, and by his sister Margarita Kurz-Dandache. Bernd’s passing follows that of his wife, Jola, who left us on May 27, 2020. Bernd was born and raised in Stuttgart, Germany and came to Canada in 1969 as a Master’s Student. He became a resident of Canada in 1971 and continued his academic pursuits while working, earning a Doctor of Philosophy in 1979 through the Department of Electrical Engineering at University of New Brunswick. During this time Bernd met his wife Jola at a ski trip to Crabbe Mountain, and by 1983 they were married and began a life together. Over the next 25 years, Bernd established himself as a vital part of the University's fabric, serving as a professor of Computer Science, Dean of Graduate Studies, and chair of the Research Ethics Board. Despite his full time commitments to his career, Bernd was able to find time for other personal endeavours including his business developing automated tally systems for forest industries and a gymnastics scoring assistant program which he freely developed to support the sport his children were involved in. During his years of retirement he developed an enthusiastic interest in the amateur radio scene, making contacts around the world and contributing to the local amateur radio club. When he wasn’t engaged in one of his hobbies, Bernd spent much of his free time travelling the World. He often romanced about his adventures driving his VW Beetle from Germany to Turkey, and from Fredericton to the northern mountains of Alaska, then down to the volcanoes of Mexico. Once married, the wanderlust continued with Jola, which saw them travel widely throughout Europe, China, and North and South America. Many trips were spent in the Caribbean islands, often to escape the cold Canadian winters. A celebration of Bernd’s life is planned for a time when pandemic restrictions allow for an appropriate ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society (https://cancer.ca/) are appreciated.