Riverside residents lost two more of their neighbors in the past several months. Mary Madeline Riding, age 97, passed away on Monday, July 15th in Fort Myers. Former Riversider, Kurt Verner Nordqvist, passed away peacefully at his home in Hubbards, Nova Scotia, Canada on August 22nd at the age of 78.
Madeline Riding – A longtime Riverside resident, Madeline celebrated her 97th birthday in February of this year. As close friends with neighbors, Dotty and Alan Fritze, Dotty provided this tribute to Madeline.
“I wish all of you had known Madeline Riding! She and Bob were the original owners of 12827 Yacht Club Circle, built in 1995. Bob passed away several years ago. Madeline has been a wonderful neighbor with a delightful sense of humor and a sharp, witty personality. She is missed. We will always remember Madeline on her birthday, February 14th! Bless you Madeline!”
Kurt Nordqvist – News of Kurt’s sudden passing reminded his Riverside friends of their kind, loveable neighbor with a contagious laugh who brought joy, laughter, and optimism to their lives. Although Kurt and his wife, Sharon (Murphy), left Riverside and returned to their Nova Scotia home in the recent past, they are still remembered fondly. Kurt and his wife, Sharon, were members of the Landings Chorus.
Kurt Nordqvist and his wife, Sharon (Murphy)
Kurt was born in Alingsås, Sweden, on January 21, 1946. He had a twin sister, Birgitta, and brother, Åke. Known as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, he placed the well-being of his family above all else. His strong work ethic and spirit stemmed from the loss of his father at the age of thirteen. At that young age, he assumed the responsibility of supporting his family.
Entrepreneurship was the cornerstone of Kurt’s life-long career in a variety of business ventures. Early in his career he founded a successful toy store in Sweden. Upon his move to Canada, he pursued a variety of businesses in the real estate sector. He was also a founding member and past president of Investment Property Owners Association of Nova Scotia (IPOANS), and a member of Junior Chamber International.
Kurt was an avid tennis player which, much to his delight, he was able to pursue year-round, wintering in Florida for many years. He loved the sea and enjoyed taking his little boat around the Nova Scotia coast after a hard day of planting his annual spring vegetable garden. Whether he was singing, playing piano, or renovating — Kurt was a man of many talents.
Kurt is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sharon (Murphy), children Martina (Mattias), Linda (Joakim), Dan (Sara), and Colin (Jocelyn), twelve grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and was looking forward to welcoming his fourth great-grandchild in October.
Funeral services were held at St. Luke’s Church in Hubbards on Saturday, August 31st. Donations in Kurt’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
We extend our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences to both Madeline’s and Kurt’s families.
In happier news, it is about that time of year again! Watch your email for a notice from Marilee Simon listing the social calendar dates for the 2024-25 season. It won’t be long before the Riverside Welcome Back gathering! Where did the summer go?
