John Eugene Palardy

John was born on July 30, 1938, in Strathmore, Alberta, and grew up in Calgary, where he attended St. Mary’s High School, and participated in football and track and field. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Germaine Palardy, and by his siblings Raymond and Richard Palardy, and Diana Wedemire. He is survived by his brother George Palardy.

John felt an early calling to service and faith. He pursued his education at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton, Alberta, and was ordained to the Catholic priesthood in June 1963 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Calgary. He served as a priest for 15 years, ministering to Catholic communities in Calgary, Raymond, the Crowsnest Pass, and Airdrie. His dedication to pastoral care led him to advanced study at St. Paul’s University in Ottawa, where he earned two master’s degrees, in Pastoral Care of the Family and in Marriage Counseling, deepening his commitment to supporting individuals and families.

In the summer of 1978, John received dispensation from the priesthood to marry Joan (née Senger), with whom he shared nearly 50 years of marriage marked by deep affection, mutual respect, and shared purpose. Together, they built a loving family and a life grounded in commitment, curiosity, and care for others. John and Joan raised their children in Olds, Alberta, where they made their home for more than 40 years and became deeply rooted in the community. Their partnership remained central to John’s happiness and shaped the values that guided his personal and professional life.

Following his marriage to Joan, John transitioned to a second career in public service, working for 25 years with the Government of Alberta in child protection. In this role, he steadfastly advocated for vulnerable children and families, guided by deep compassion and a strong moral compass, values he shared fully with Joan, whose support and companionship sustained him throughout his work.

John’s commitment to service extended well beyond his professional life. He volunteered for many summers as a Master Official with the Alberta Summer Swimming Association, spent six years organizing community support for a new indoor swimming pool in the town of Olds, and served as Chairman of the Board of Horizon School in Olds.

John loved the outdoors, especially skiing, which remained a source of joy and renewal throughout his life. He also enjoyed swimming and, in his late sixties, took up scuba diving, embracing a new challenge with curiosity and enthusiasm. In retirement, he had the time to pursue a long-held interest in astronomy, finding in the night sky another expression of his lifelong sense of wonder at the natural world.

During retirement, John and Joan embraced travel with enthusiasm and curiosity. Together, they visited more than 40 countries across six continents—missing only Antarctica. These journeys reflected their shared love of learning, adventure, and openness to the world and to other people’s stories.

John was known for his kindness and his willingness to serve. He rarely complained on his own behalf but was quick to advocate for others. His life was guided by a simple principle: service above self.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Joan; his four children, Patrick (Jasmine), Jim (Lindsey), Nicole, and Pamela; and his six grandchildren: Emery and Isaac (Patrick and Jasmine), Madeleine and Julien (Jim and Lindsey), and Lachlann and Sydney (Pamela). He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

A Memorial Service will be held at Foster’s Garden Chapel, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary, at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

The Service will be livestreamed for those wishing to attend virtually. To access the livestream, click on the “join livestream” button in the “services” section below the obituary. Alternatively, the livestream may be accessed via the following link: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc2NzQ3MDY1NTM5NTM0NyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) at www.doctorswithoutborders.ca/donate.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and staff at Brentwood Care Centre for their compassion, professionalism, and dedicated care.

He lived his life in service to others, asking little for himself and giving much to the world.