Obituary of ALDRIDGE – Geoffrey David

June 13, 1956 – May 5, 2010 Geoff passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at the Southwood Hospice after a valiant fifteen month battle with metastatic melanoma. He will always be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend of 32 years Debbie; his daughter Traci (David) Gonzalez; his son David; and his sisters Marion (Dwayne) Puzzie and Gerry (Joe) Smith. He is also survived by Debbie’s parents, Aubrey and Dick Glass and Debbie’s siblings Dianne (Peter) Burnand, Ric (Mary-Dee) Glass, and Jeff (Laura) Glass who Geoff loved as his own family. Geoff will be remembered by his nieces, nephews, cousins and many wonderful friends. He was predeceased by his parents Chris and Ted Aldridge. Geoff was employed by Excelair Mechanical Services Ltd and was a member of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 488. A native-born Calgarian, Geoff received his education at Sherwood School, Western Canada High School, and SAIT. Geoff was a wonderfully warm and caring person with an extraordinary zest for life. He was neither rich nor famous. His wealth came in the form of family and friends and he had an abundance of both. He was a devoted Dad and was very proud of Traci and David. Recently, Geoff found the strength to accompany Traci down the aisle at her wedding and to see David complete his third year of Petroleum Engineering at Montana Tech. He loved camping and traveling with Debbie and the kids as well as playing golf and hockey. Geoff loved his home course – Turner Valley Golf Club. For many years, Geoff had a significant and positive influence on numerous young people through coaching Midnapore Hockey, Girls Hockey Calgary, and Axemen Lacrosse. To these young people, Geoff was a mentor and was known as “Coach”! Debbie was always involved in an important supportive role. Geoff was very generous with his time and was readily available to lend a helping hand. A Celebration of Geoff’s life will be held at First Alliance Church (12345 – 40 Street S.E.) on Monday, May 10, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. For their wonderful care and support of Geoff during his struggle, Geoff’s family wishes to thank Dr. Jon-Paul Voroney and the staff at the Tom Baker Centre, the Homecare staff, and the staff at the Southwood Hospice. A special thanks to Dianne for her tremendous long-term help and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Geoff’s name may be made to KidSport Society of Calgary ,Suite 750, 2424 – 4 Street S.W. Calgary, T2S 2T4 (403-202-0251) www.kidsportcalgary.ca or the Alberta Cancer Foundation c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre 1331 – 29 Street N.W. Calgary T2N 4N2 (403-521-3433) www.albertacancer.ca . In living memory of Geoffrey Aldridge, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.