Sergio Raul Guajardo

Sergio Raul Guajardo, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2026, in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 85 years. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a family who will carry his story forward, and a legacy shaped by hard work, resilience, humour, and the courage to begin again.

His Early Life in Chile

Born in Santa Cruz, Chile, to Rosa Munoz and Raul Antonio Guajardo, Sergio grew up in a remarkably large family of over 20 children. From an early age, he loved helping his father with the family plumbing business, developing practical skills and strong work ethic that would remain a source of pride throughout his life. He also enjoyed playing soccer and giving back to his community as a volunteer firefighter.

Sergio is lovingly remembered by his surviving siblings, including his brothers Francisco Hernan, Victor Arturo, and Manuel Antonio; and his sisters Marcia Haidee and Sonia de las Mercedes.

A New Beginning in Canada

Sergio’s life took a dramatic turn in 1973, following the Chilean coup d’état and the political turmoil of the time. Seeking a safer future, Sergio, his wife, Teresa Correa Guajardo, whom he married in February 1969, and their son, Sergio Antonio, left Chile for Argentina. There, they applied to immigrate to either Canada or Australia. Fortunately, Canada accepted them first, opening the door to a new chapter and a new beginning in Calgary.

Their early years in Canada were supported by the kindness and generosity of both the Church and the Chilean community, which helped the family find their footing as they began building a new life. Sergio was determined to work hard, support his family, and create a future filled with opportunity.

Sergio and Teresa shared 20 years of marriage - significant chapter of their lives together. Their journey from Chile to Argentina and eventually to Canada remains an important part of Guajardo family story.

A Lifetime of Hard Work

Plumbing and building maintenance were more than occupations for Sergio; they were skills he took pride in and work he genuinely loved. As a journeyman plumber and general contractor, he travelled throughout Canada wherever opportunities took him, working in Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver, Port Alberni, Vernon, Bonnyville, Leduc, Whitecourt, and many other communities. He worked tirelessly to support his family and continued well into his seventies. Work gave Sergio purpose, allowed him to use his skills, and provided a source of pride and accomplishment throughout his life.

Being able to provide for his children was especially important to Sergio. He enjoyed buying them things and giving them opportunities to experience the good things in life. His dedication to his work was one of the ways he showed his love to his family.

A Personality All His Own

Sergio had a personality that was impossible to overlook. He was funny, charming, sociable, and always ready to make a new friend. He certainly thought highly of his own appeal to the ladies and was never shy about letting that be known!

His confidence, humour, and unmistakable personality brought a special energy to the people and places he encountered. Sergio knew how to strike up a conversation, make connections, and bring his own unique charm to a gathering.

He also took great pride in the things he worked hard to earn. Whether it was his cars, his truck, or his home, Sergio appreciated having something of his own to care for and enjoy. He loved gatherings with family and friends and valued the opportunity to share good times with the people who were part of his life.

His Family and Legacy

Family was an important part of Sergio’s life. Although relationships and circumstances were not always easy, he loved his children and grandchildren and wanted them to experience love, success, and happiness. In his own way, he sought to show his love through his efforts to provide, his generosity, and his desire to see his family do well.

Sergio is lovingly remembered by his children, Sergio Antonio (Maria), Vivian, and Karen; grandchildren, Emilio, Gabriel, Elizabeth (Mario Masters), Ariyana, Max, and Thiago; and great-grandchildren, Romari and Azzari.

After Teresa passed away in 2000, Sergio also embraced her children, Miguel and Jaime Aguilar, and supported them whenever he could.

Each generation adds to the family story Sergio leaves behind. His memory will live on through the connections, stories, and moments that his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will continue to share.

Finding Peace and Healing at St. Teresa

Sergio’s life was not always easy. Over the years, he experienced challenges, difficult circumstances, and considerable stress. He often immersed himself in his work, finding purpose in being useful, putting his skills to good use, and providing for his family. Work was a constant in his life, something he knew how to do well and a place where he could find a sense of accomplishment.

In his later years, Sergio’s children helped him find a new home at St. Teresa Care Facility. This became an important new chapter in his life—one that offered opportunities for reflection, connection, and personal growth.

At St. Teresa, Sergio began to slow down, quiet his soul, and reflect on his life. He had more opportunities to nurture his spirituality, strengthen his faith, and begin to heal from the challenges of his past. As he settled into this new chapter, he discovered that happiness could also be found in the simple, everyday moments that life had to offer.

He enjoyed a conversation over a cup of coffee, tending to the garden, singing, participating in exercise classes, and watching sports alongside fellow residents. He began forming new friendships and finding pleasure in shared experiences and the companionship of others.

Faith remained an important part of Sergio’s life. He attended Catholic Mass and participated in nondenominational services at St. Teresa, allowing him to deepen his spiritual connection and find comfort in his faith.

This chapter of Sergio’s life was a reminder that it is never too late to discover new connections, find moments of peace, and appreciate life in a different way. With the support of his children and the community of St. Teresa, he was able to embrace simple pleasures and experience a renewed sense of belonging.

A Life Remembered

Sergio leaves behind a story of hard work, resilience, determination, and the courage to begin again. From his childhood in Chile to his journey through Argentina and his eventual home in Canada, he built a life through his skills, his willingness to work, and his ability to form friendships along the way.

His life held both challenges and accomplishments, difficult times and moments of joy. His journey was uniquely his own, and his later years brought opportunities for reflection, spiritual growth, healing, and a deeper appreciation of the simple things that connect us all.

He will be remembered for the love of his trade, his pride in his home and vehicles, his enjoyment of family gatherings, his charm, his humour, and his unmistakable belief that he was quite the catch.

Above all, he will be remembered as a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend whose life became part of the stories of those who knew and loved him.

One of Sergio’s favourite sayings was:

“Love is like a diamond; it lasts forever.”

These words remind us that memories, relationships, and family bonds remain long after a life has ended. May the love Sergio shared, the lessons he passed on, and the stories told about him continue to bring comfort and connection to his family for generations to come.

Rest in peace, Sergio. May you find the peace you spent a lifetime seeking and may the love you leave behind last forever.

A Memorial Service will be held at Foster’s Garden Chapel, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

This obituary has been authorized by the family for posting on Foster’s Garden Chapel Funeral Home’s website. As such, it is protected against any form of reproduction or redistribution without prior consent from the family.