Obituary of HOLMLUND – Chester Britton

February 18, 1945 – April 15, 2010 It is with sad hearts that the family of Chester Holmlund announce the end of his courageous journey on Thursday, April 15, 2010, at the age of 65 years. Chester is survived by his beloved wife of thirty-nine years, Shirley; his son Geoff (Jason); his mother Delphine; his sisters Cleo (John) and Charlotte (Rob); and his nieces Erika, Laura and Bree. Also mourning his memory are Bill (Shannon) and Rick Gerling; nieces Katrina (Don) and children Caiden and Cassie, and Cheyanne, and nephews Jordy (Kalla) and Cordell. Chester was predeceased by his father Robert Holmlund as well as his father and mother-in-law, Joe and Francis Gerling. Chester was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, and grew up near Outlook. He attended the University of Saskatchewan and received a degree in Civil Engineering. In 1970 he married his best friend Shirley Gerling and they made Edmonton, then Calgary their home. The birth of their son Geoff completed the family in 1979. The family enjoyed camping, fishing, skiing, golfing, curling, bunnock, travelling the world together, and spending time with the extended family in Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC. The annual trip to Sandpoint with friends was also a highlight. Chester’s passion for cooking was enjoyed through many evenings with family and friends. His dry sense of humour and penchant for mischief kept all those around him on their toes. While he was a man of few words, the words he spoke were well chosen and often profound. His 5’ 18” stature created a huge presence wherever he went. Chester truly valued his family and close friends and was thankful for their support and companionship. Chester’s first job was with Water Resources in Edmonton, before starting a thirty-five year career in the oil and gas industry in 1969. Twenty-five years were spent with Chevron Standard which provided him many responsibilities and opportunities for travel, which became a passion. Highlights for Chester were his time spent working on Hibernia and in the North Sea in Denmark. Other memorable assignments were San Francisco and the Canadian North. Following his retirement from Chevron, he enjoyed assignments with Trysol and then Sunwing Energy, which resulted in thirty-five trips to China. Prior to retirement in 2004, Chester and Shirley enjoyed a farewell trip to China. A wonderful two month vacation to Australia and New Zealand in 2006 created a strong desire to return. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Angelo D’Costa from St. Bonaventure Catholic Church presiding. A Celebration of Chester’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Friday, April 23, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Sincere thanks to many Dr.’s and staff of the Foothills Medical Centre and the Tom Baker Cancer Centre who provided great care throughout the last three and a half years. If friends so desire, memorial donations in Chester’s memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, (#200, 325 Manning Road N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5) or a charity of your choice. In living memory of Chester Holmlund, 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.