Obituary of Henry George Gossen

Henry Gossen passed away on Monday, February 20, 2006 at the age of 83 years. Henry George Gossen, also known as “Hank” or “Butch” to his family and friends, and “Nono” to his adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was born in Laird, SK on May 1, 1922 to Dave and Susanna (Toews) Gossen. The oldest of four children, he was the first member of the family to earn a university degree, graduating with a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Saskatchewan in 1945. His career in the oil and gas industry spanned over forty years and took him to refinery projects across Canada (Vancouver, Calgary, Sarnia, and Dartmouth) and around the world, including Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela, Libya, and the United States. His vast experience with refineries earned him the respect of his colleagues, but he will be most fondly remembered as the patriarch of a tightly-knit family. Together with Lillian, his bride of nearly sixty-two years, he spent the last several years presiding over family dinners and providing constant guidance, support and unconditional love to his son Randall and daughter-in-law Cecilia; son-in-law Bevan Laing; son Stewart and daughter-in-law Dianna; his beloved grandchildren, Elena and Jose, Chris and Ciara, David, Jim, Donald, Susan, Andrew, Alexandra, Jacob, and Kate; and to his trio of great-granddaughters, the princesses Amanda, Olivia, and Alicia. He was predeceased by his parents Dave and Susanna; brother Bob and sister Marge; and by his darling daughter Heather. In addition to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Hank is survived by his brother Russell (known as “Buddy”); numerous nieces and nephews (including great and great-great nieces and nephews); and many cousins. Memorial Services will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (703 Heritage Drive S.W.) on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. Peter Coutts, Presider. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family would like to pay special tribute to Lois Silvester, a very caring physician, the nurses from Calgary Home Care, Lillian’s niece Judy Holinaty, a very special person and caregiver, and to Peter Coutts for bringing spiritual comfort to the family. 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 directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: (403) 521-3433. In living memory of Henry Gossen, 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.