Oliver Peter Erker-Zednik was born on February 11, 2025, in Denver, Colorado, to Emily Ann Erker and Stephan Thomas Zednik. A 26-weeker (born 98 days before his due date), he weighed only 810 grams (1 lb. 12.5 oz). Shortly after birth, Oliver was diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (also known as chronic lung disease of prematurity) and pulmonary hypertension. Oliver spent every day of his life fighting to recover from these conditions. Oliver’s resilience during his lifelong battle left a lasting impression on many who had the privilege of knowing him. He passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025, at 7:21 a.m., cradled in the loving arms of his parents. He was 9 months and 19 days old.

Oliver spent his life surrounded by care, devotion, and love. His life was spent in NICU rooms, and he filled those spaces with warmth and light. He had piercing blue eyes that studied the world with curiosity and focus. He loved watching his mobile slowly spin and was soothed by its songs. He was captivated by the lights and motions on his hospital monitor, and he delighted in the sounds and textures of his favorite toys.

Oliver expressed himself in his own quiet way. He made little sound, but his face spoke volumes. He had an expressive brow, often furrowed, that never failed to charm the nurses and bring smiles to those around him. He loved to kick his feet with excitement, pull at his tubes with determination, and put his hands and toys straight into his mouth. He enjoyed listening closely to the sounds of the hallway outside his room, intrigued by the world beyond the door.

Oliver greeted the doctors and nurses who cared for him with alert eyes and a calm demeanor. Loved deeply by the NICU staff, he was affectionately nicknamed “Mr. Man,” “The Mayor,” and “Ollipop,” and his smile rarely failed to brighten their day.

Oliver was a kind and gentle child. He enjoyed his daily baths and physiotherapy sessions and was very patient during his tracheostomy and G-tube dressing changes, lovingly performed by his parents. With his nurses and parents, he (a semi-willing participant) helped create many treasured handprint and footprint keepsakes.

Throughout his short life, Oliver’s days were centered on healing and growing, with the shared hope that one day he could come home.

His first and only trip outside was a helicopter ride between hospitals, reflecting both the challenges of his life and the extraordinary efforts made on his behalf.

Over the course of his life, Oliver underwent multiple surgeries, including emergency abdominal surgery to repair a bowel perforation, a heart procedure to close his patent ductus arteriosus, placement of a G-tube and tracheostomy, and several chest tube procedures to help him recover from episodes of lung collapse. Through it all, his care teams pursued every possible path toward healing, working tirelessly in the hope of stabilizing him and bringing him home.

Though Oliver’s life was marked by struggle, it was defined by love, connection, and joy. He was deeply cherished by his parents, grandparents, and extended family, and he left an indelible mark on the nurses, respiratory therapists, and physicians who cared for him and came to love him.

He taught those around him about strength, patience, and the profound depth of love that can exist in even the shortest of lives. He will be missed beyond words and remembered always.

Celebrations of Life for Oliver are being planned for early January in Saskatoon and mid-January in Denver; details on dates and locations to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Oliver’s memory to consider donating blood, a gift that helped sustain him and so many other fragile lives.