A Space for Karl

Welcome to this private space for the family and friends of Karl Johann Leroy Catob.

As many of you know, our beloved Elder transitioned peacefully on Palm Sunday, March 29. His last visitor at Valencia was, poignantly, his first grandchild, Rocky. He left us under the waxing Pink Moon—a timing that felt deeply significant. Karl held a profound reverence for Native American traditions and those who live close to the land; for them, this moon signifies the start of spring and the return of life. Fittingly, it is also Holy Week, a reminder of the cycle of death and resurrection.

We are holding onto the small, sacred moments from his final week. His daughter, Annie, shared that during her visit on Friday, he expressed that he knew his time was near and asked her to thank everyone. His granddaughter Jacqui, who sat with him every week companioning his transition across the threshold, shared that even when he could no longer eat or drink, his final words were a whispered, "I love you."

While we miss him dearly, we find comfort in a lifetime of memories and the knowledge that he is now at rest. In the end, we are reminded that Love is truly all that matters.

We created this page to keep everyone updated on the arrangements for his Celebration of Life and to provide a place to share stories as we navigate these next few weeks. You can bookmark or return to this page to check for updates. Thank you for your continued love and support.

UPDATES

3/31/26

Arrangements: The next generation of Elders—Karl’s children—are honored with the responsibility of working together to organize a Celebration of Life. The event will take place in Bushnell, Florida, within the next few months. We hope to have a specific date confirmed and shared here soon.

Final rest: Karl was a believer in Christ, and he would tell you clearly that his spirit is now in Heaven. However, his body is currently being tended to by a compassionate funeral director as he is prepared for cremation. Long ago, Karl and his wife, Gloria, arranged to have his ashes interred in a columbarium niche at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. He will share this final resting place with Jacqueline Mexson Catob, his first wife and the mother of his children, who preceded him in death in 2011.

How you can help us: As we begin planning the details of the celebration, we would love to see him through your eyes. If you have photos of Karl or specific memories you would like to share, please email them to me by April 30th here. We hope to include these stories and images in the Celebration of Life.

How we can help you: Perhaps the loss of Karl is opening up old wounds for you, or perhaps you simply feel numb right now. Both are valid. Grief and loss are a movement—a natural part of the cycle of life. If you are feeling stuck or unsure what to do with the weight of this loss, please know that you are not alone. We are all navigating this together. If you feel the need to share a memory or just need a friendly ear, please reach out to any of us. Let’s continue to hold up the walls for each other during this sacred time.

Contact: We will continue to update this page as details for the Bushnell service are finalized. Please bookmark this page or regularly return to it for the latest updates. In the meantime, if you have any immediate needs, questions, wish to be connected with someone, or stories to share, you can reach me directly here.

Karl Quotes

“You have direction, it's just that it is a convoluted path, and that is what gives life its richness and joy, as well as disappointment and sorrow. You'll navigate it OK.”

“What a feast!”

“When you encounter self-doubt in your abilities I want you to consider your accomplishments and your goals… All these things speak to your courage, perseverance, and your talents. All of us; your friends and family, myself are very proud of you and share your successes as well as your setbacks and we love you very much.”

“I tried to do the best I could. I tried to raise my children with peace, love and a belief in Christ.”

Do you have a favourite quote & want to share it? Send it to me.