Obituary of Joseph William Strathern

Nestled beside Betty, his beloved wife of 63 years, Joe Strathern of Calgary, passed peacefully into the arms of God on Monday, February 2, 2009 at the age of 85 years. Joe was the shining light in our lives. His life was filled with humility, selflessness, joy, and love. Born in Calgary, Joe grew up on Scotsman’s Hill and served with the South Alberta Regiment in WWII. As the war was drawing to a close, Joe married his beautiful bride Betty in Glasgow, Scotland and they returned to Canada. Together, they fulfilled their dreams and every day of their marriage they set an example of uncompromising passion, respect, and devotion towards each other. Family, friends and neighbours all knew if something needed fixing, Joe was the person to call and he never refused to help. He so loved his wife, family, country, faith, friends and the world around him. Forever grateful for having Joe in our lives he is survived by his loving wife Betty; his children Carol O’Grady (Brian), Joe Strathern Jr. (Pat), Greg Strathern (Jacqueline) and son-in-law Gordon Campbell (Wendy); his grandchildren Kate (Mark), Jessica, Rachael, Joe III, Henry, Madeline, Scott, Frances, Katrina and Mark; great grandchildren Jacob, Cooper, Maya and Parker and his last remaining sibling, Anne Sullivan (Art). Joe was predeceased by his daughter Brenda Strathern-Campbell in 2000. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church (5340 – 4th Street S.W.) on Friday, February 6, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to the Brenda Strathern “Late Bloomers” Writing Prize (700, 999 8th Street SW Calgary, AB T2R 1J5). In living memory of Joe Strathern, 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.