Gerald Lloyd John Goruk

Gerry Goruk, age 82, passed away peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Saviour with his family by his side on Sunday, January 28, 2018 in Calgary. Prior to his passing, he lived at the Cedarwood Station retirement residence in Airdrie, AB. He was born in Hamilton on September 27, 1935. Throughout his life he quietly and humbly demonstrated an integrity and kindness of spirit, which was his nature. His parents instilled in him dedication and a strong work ethic that he applied throughout his life to everything he did. A brilliant student, he went on to earn a Master of Science in Geology from McMaster University. In addition to his academic achievements, he also had a creative side and a love for music, studying piano for nine years at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. His love for music continued throughout his life and he had a special affinity for jazz. Gerry’s adventurous spirit led him from the wilds of northern BC and the Yukon doing geological survey work (where he had several hair-raising encounters with grizzly bears) to the jungles of South America and the deserts of Africa, working for various companies in the oil and gas sector. He and his wife Gisele married in May 1964 and spent ten years working and raising their family in Bogotá, Colombia and Trinidad & Tobago before returning to Canada to live and work in Calgary. In retirement, Gerry loved spending time with his family (especially his beloved grandsons), reading and going for long walks. Gerry was also very fond of his breakfast club friends at Cedarwood and made a profound impression on both residents and staff in the short time he was there. He was an incredible man and will be greatly missed. Left to cherish his memory are his loving daughter, Karen (Mark) Spence and son, Mark Goruk; four grandsons, Justin (Anna) Alberts, Brandon Alberts, Ryan Alberts, and Dylan Goruk; a soon to be born great-grandson Dashel; his ex-wife Gisele; and his cousin Bill (Lynn) Goruk, their children Todd, Julie, Jimmy, Jennifer, Stephanie and families, all of Hamilton. He was predeceased by his son Steven Paul in 1971, father John in 1984, mother Stella in 2000, uncle Steven and aunt Johanna.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, February 11, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at The Hamlets at Cedarwood Station, 304 - 1st Ave NW in Airdrie. The family would like to send a special thank you to nurses Kathryn and Adison at Foothills Hospital for their incredible compassion and care. They would also like to extend their deepest gratitude to the residents and staff at Cedarwood Station for welcoming dad into their caring community. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gerry’s name to the charity of your choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.