Obituary of Kip GOTHARD

May 15, 1952 – January 30, 2018 Kip, beloved husband of Mary Gothard (nee Archibald), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at the age of 65 surrounded by the love of his family. Kip’s family were very important to him – he loved them dearly. He loved his family life, the family camping trips and other vacations, and all the fun they had together. He was so so proud of his beautiful daughters, Chloe and Nicola. Kip was born in Drumheller. After living in various places in Alberta, his family settled in Calgary where Kip attended Lord Beaverbrook High School where he was part of a large group of friends that still party together. Kip and Mary met in 1982 where he played squash at the Woodbine Racquet Club. Kip loved sports and participated in many sports and outdoor activities including baseball, slow pitch, squash, skiing and weightlifting. Kip’s career was working with kids at William Roper Hull Home and Fish Creek School. He was passionate about helping kids and positively influenced many lives. His most important career was a trail blazing full-time stay-at-home Dad for daughters, Chloe and Nicola. He played Barbies, mastered pony tails, arranged play dates, drove to many, many dance classes and was always there for his girls. Kip’s passion was motorcycle touring on his beloved Harleys. He was proud of his Harleys and personalized each of them with chrome and unique “Kip” touches. He traveled many miles on the highways of Alberta, BC, and the US. He made several trips to the Sturgis, South Dakota motorcycle rally, and one summer traveled north to Whitehorse. His motorcycle buddies were very special friends. Besides his loving wife of 33 years, Mary, Kip is survived by daughters Nicola, Chloe (Rob) and grandson Kade; siblings Gerry (Don) and Lance (Shirlee), parents-in-law, Cameron & Florence Archibald, siblings-in-law Kim (Judy), Colleen (Brian), Robin (Chris), Craig, and Diane (Max); and numerous special cousins, nieces and nephews. Kip was predeceased by his father, Jim, his mother, Rhoda, and brother, Randy. A Celebration of Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. Reception to follow at the funeral home. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. The family wants to thank all the doctors and medical staff who took care of Kip during his lifetime. A special thanks to the staff at the South Health Campus Hospital whose compassion and devotion were such a comfort to Kip and the family last week. In living memory of Kip Gothard, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB Telephone: 403-256-9575.