Obituary of Gustave Belke

“We can’t replace, Your heart of gold Your warm smile Your strength Your faith Your love” Gustave Belke of Calgary passed away on August 1, 2008 at the age of 87 years. He was born on January 22, 1921 in Lublin, Poland and emigrated to Canada with his family in 1928. Gus began working full time on the family farm in Camrose at age 12 and later on as a carpenter/fine finisher in Calgary and the surrounding areas. He loved working and creating beauty with wood, he was self taught and felt God had given him the ability to learn his trade which he worked at until age 76. Gus enjoyed special times spent with family and friends where he would play accordion, piano or harmonica for our enjoyment. Grampa had a sweet, warm personality and called everyone “dear”. Gus was predeceased in 2007 by his wife and best friend of 60 years, Veronica. He will be greatly missed by his daughters, Cheryl (Frank) Bolton and Pam Belke; grandchildren, Brad (Lisa) Bolton, Mike (Kristin) Bolton, Alicia Bolton, and Angie Smith; great-grandchildren, Brooke, Emma, Aidan, Ciaran, Taylor, Jenna, Tyeesha, Reid, and Rhianna; his brothers Sam and Gerald Belke; sisters, Martha Sotherland, Mary Klimek and Susanna Boelke. He was predeceased by his brother Eric Boelke; and sisters, Frieda Martens and Elsie Riemer. The family wishes to thank Dr. Frederick Moriarity, Dr. Laureen Ross, Dr. Katherine McKenna, Dr. Elviras and Dr. Samis for their incredible dedication, care and support. We would also like to thank the staff in units 44 and 51 at Peter Lougheed and the staff in unit 46 at Foothills Hospital, Bethany Calgary care aides, Fanning Day Hospital staff, and Calgary Home Care aides Maureen and Amelia for the kindness and dedication they showed while caring for our father. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name Catholic Church (2223 – 34th Street S.W.) on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. In living memory of Gustave Belke a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.