Obituary of George Hughes Gamble

George Hughes Gamble of Calgary passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 15, 2007 at the age of 83 years, following a brief illness. George graduated from the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Engineering as an electrical engineer in 1945. That same year he accepted a position with Imperial Oil and worked in the field with seismic exploration crews, eventually becoming crew chief. In 1958, George was promoted to processing geophysicist and at the time of his retirement in 1982, he was working as a research geophysicist. During their seven years spent in Edmonton, George and his wife Joyce opened their house to several foster children. An avid golfer, he belonged to Earl Grey Golf Club since 1960, and made many lasting friendships over the years. His athletic abilities were further demonstrated playing lacrosse in his youth and he was a member of the Vancouver Burrards when they won the Mann Cup in 1945. George was instrumental in a centennial project to revive lacrosse in Alberta that started in 1966 in Edmonton, and was the first president of both the Edmonton Lacrosse Association and the Alberta Lacrosse Association. As an executive and coach of both players and other coaches, he was an integral part of an effort that planted the seeds that have grown to become Alberta lacrosse today. George will be lovingly remembered by his four sons, Peter (Lynda), Bob, Mike and Willie (Marilyn); his three daughters Carol (Jim), Kathleen (Tom) and Christine (Dave); his son-in-law Scott; sixteen grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Mary Gamble of Vancouver, BC, as well as his nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by his wife Joyce; his parents Thomas and Sarah; his sister Eleanor; and his brother Jack. A Gathering to commemorate George’s Life will be held at Triwood Community Association (2244 Chicoutimi Drive, N.W.) on Saturday, December 22, 2007 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for family, friends and neighbours. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to S.T.A.R.S. (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society), Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 8M7 Telephone: (403) 295-1811, www.stars.ca or to the charity of the donor’s choice. A special thanks to the doctors and nurses of Unit 71 at the Rockyview General Hospital and to the staff at the Intercare Chinook Hospice. In living memory of George Gamble, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.