Obituary of Vincent Ignatius Cosgrove

Vincent Ignatius Cosgrove of Calgary passed away December 26, 2003 at the Foothills Hospital, after a short but courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 84 years. A devoted father and grandfather, Vince will be lovingly remembered by son John (Susan) and daughter Judy Bakalik (Jan); grandchildren, Carolyn, Andrea, Rob, and Stephanie; and special niece Mary (Harold) Sylven, all of Calgary. He was predeceased by his wife of forty-five years, Irene, son Jerome, granddaughter Julie, six brothers, four sisters, and parents, Thomas and Catherine. He will be sadly missed by numerous nephews, nieces and close friends. His passing represents the loss of a generation to the Cosgrove family. Born in Schreiber, ON, on October 23, 1919, Vince served as a wireless operator for the RCAF during World War II. He spent his career working in the Stores Department for Canadian Pacific Railway which included a move to Calgary in 1971. His retirement from the railway in 1984 was followed by a three-year project with CIDA in Bangladesh. Some of his fondest memories are of the time he spent there with Irene. During that time they traveled extensively throughout Asia and Australia. Vince was truly a gentle man who embraced everyone. His wit, sense of humour and playfulness will be missed by all who knew him. He was always supportive and proud of his grandchildren, and enjoyed the company of friends and family. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Fish Creek Chapel (14441 Bannister Road S.E.), on Monday, December 29, 2003 at 7:00 P.M. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (1414 Shawnessy Boulevard S.W.) on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 at 11:00 A.M. To forward expressions of sympathy go to www.mcinnisandholloway.com. We would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support that helped immensely in the last four months. The family would also like to send a special thanks to Drs. S. J. Warshawski, M. Van Wyck, and J. McKinnon, nurse Ian, and all the staff of Unit 47 at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre for their compassionate care. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2. Telephone: (403) 944-2433, or directly to the charity of the donor’s choice. In living memory of Vince Cosgrove, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E., CALGARY, TELEPHONE: (403) 256-9575.