Obituary of Samuel DOYLE

October 5, 1934 – Belfast, Ireland

July 12, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Sam Doyle, husband of Sonja Doyle (nee Kroll) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2020 at the age of 85 years.

Sam emigrated from Ireland at the tender age of 17, settling in Calgary where his early career included stints as a male model, carnival barker and clothing cutter, before starting in the industrial tarp manufacturing and repair business, running his own businesses for over 30 years before retiring in 1998. Sam was well known as a fair and honest businessman and employer, making and keeping many loyal customers, staff and friends.

Sam met Sonja while boarding with his brother Pat, and notwithstanding his incomprehensible Irish accent at the time, Sam’s blue eyes won her over, leading to a 64 year union of love and companionship.

With no hurling league in Canada, Sam and Sonja became avid bowlers and curlers, and Sam’s good nature led to the establishment of many more lifelong friends. Sam was an avid and proficient fisherman, and many summers were spent with his business closed for a month or more to take his family on extended camping and fishing trips. Sam was always willing to share his extensive fishing knowledge and experience, and once again his kind and generous nature led to more wide and deep circles of treasured friendships, including that of Phil Nuzum, whose unwavering friendship to Sam and Sonja is recognized and appreciated.

Besides his loving wife Sonja, Sam is survived by his daughters Marlene (Don) and Kim (James) and grandchildren Christine, Colleen and Carolyn. Sam had seven siblings and is survived by sisters Esther, Kathleen, Margaret and Sister Rita.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church (321 – 90th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Sam’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

Given the current Covid guidelines, masks will be provided and are obligatory.

Special thanks are also expressed to Dr. Forseth and staff at day medicine at Rockyview General Hospital, especially Kelly. 

In living memory of Sam, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES.