Obituary of John Gerard Venini

John Gerard Venini of Calgary passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, November 30, 2007 at the age of 88 years. John was born on December 3, 1918 at the family home on Scarboro Avenue in Calgary. John was one of the last generations of old Calgary families, whose original home still remains a Scarboro landmark today. Four generations of the Venini family have attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church Parish of the same community. Following John’s early schooling in Calgary, he attended St. Michael’s College in Toronto, Assumption College, and graduated from the University of Western Ontario, School of Business. In 1942 he enlisted in the Canadian Army, and served among the troops seeing action in Holland and following the war remained in Britain to attend the London School of Economics. John then returned to Canada to marry Margaret (Peggy) a vivacious Windsor, Ontario girl and his life long friend and companion, and dearly missed for the remaining years of his life. John founded Venini Investments Ltd. in 1946 and was involved in the downtown business community for over sixty years, still going to his office occasionally. John’s special sense of humour will be missed and he will always be remembered for his thoughtfulness and kindness to everyone. John especially enjoyed spending time with the family at his home in California. He was a lifelong member of the Petroleum Club, the Glencoe Club, and the Calgary Golf and Country Club. John will be lovingly remembered by his four children; Gene (Angela); David (Mona); and grandsons, Andrew and Elliott; George (Bev), and grandson Erik and granddaughter Olivia; and Mary Ann and Glenn Lyons. John was predeceased by his beloved wife Margaret Elizabeth McGrath on August 26, 1995, his parents George Venini and Anna Dalton, his brother Paul, and by his sister Bernice Byrne. As a father, he possessed boundless patience and dedication to his family. His loss is deeply felt, but the memory of him will be full and long lasting. We love you dad. Thank you for giving us all a wonderful life. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1307 – 14th Street S.W.) on Tuesday, December 4, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1307 – 14th Street S.W.) on Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com In living memory of John Venini, 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.