Obituary of John Gemmel

John Leslie Gemmel, beloved husband of Diana, of Calgary passed away on Monday, February 20, 2006 at the age of 85 years. John attended schools in Selkirk, Lakefield College and graduated from Kelvin High, Winnipeg in 1938. He served with the RCAF during World War II as an observer navigator in both Europe and the Far East. He completed two tours of operations, the first on Wellingtons and the second on the Halifax. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war, John articled with Miller MacDonald in Winnipeg, receiving his Chartered Accountants Degree in 1951. He moved to Calgary where he and Diana were married in 1952. He worked with Pacific Petroleum from 1952 until 1956 when he moved to Vancouver with Westcoast Transmission. In 1969 he and his family returned to Calgary and John retired from Wintershall Canada in 1985. He was a member of the Glencoe Club, Aircrew Association, Riverview United Church (now Living Spirit United Church) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Manitoba and Alberta. John is survived by Diana, his loving wife of fifty-three years; son John and daughter-in-law Kim; daughter Elizabeth; grandson Sean; sisters Margaret Gemmel and Mary Downie as wall as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Francis and Margaret; brothers Bill, Frank and Harry and two sisters, Meran and Elsie. Funeral Services will be held at Living Spirit United Church (900- 47 Avenue S.W.) on Friday, February 24, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Gordon Churchill, Officiating. Due to severe allergies the family request that all those attending, please refrain from wearing any fragrances or providing flowers for the service. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th St. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. or to a charity of your choice. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family wish to thank all those who contributed to John’s care, especially to Aziza of Home Care and to the Foothills Staff in Emergency and ICU, with special thanks to nurse Cathy. In living memory of John Gemmel, 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.