Obituary of John Sigurd JORDHOY

December 14, 1926 – Drumheller, Alberta
November 6, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Dad always said that his demise would come at the age of 90 after being shot by a jealous husband.  Sadly, a few weeks short of his 94th birthday, he succumbed to the ravages of dementia, that horrible and debilitating disease that stole his final years. We are pretty sure he would have preferred his version.  Still, he faced most days with a smile and cheerful greeting for everyone around him – usually accompanied with a hug.

Born in Drumheller and raised on the family homestead near Morrin AB, his father instilled a work ethic and attitude that carried Dad through the rest of his life.  He joined the Calgary Fire Department in December 1953 and was proud to wear that uniform until his retirement in January 1987.   He also volunteered countless hours to the community, from flooding the local skating rink at midnight after his shift ended, to supporting the local competitive swimming clubs in Calgary.  He spent many weekends officiating at swim meets and was proud to be named as Team Manager for the Canadian swim team that competed in the Pan American games in Mexico City in 1975.  Dad was also instrumental in the design of the swimming facilities at the Lindsay Park Sports Centre, again volunteering many hours to make sure the facility was a world class addition for all Calgarians to enjoy.

In 1979 he married Else Stewart, and after his retirement in 1987 they began spending some of their winter months in Cabo San Jose Mexico, where they quickly made friends with anyone and everyone they encountered.  His Spanish was never perfect, but he didn’t care because as always, he communicated with his smile and attitude.  There was also lots of time for travels to visit kids and grandkids, and of course in the winter, when not in Mexico, there were sidewalks to shovel.  The coffee was always on and there was always time for a visit, no matter where they were or what they were doing.

Dad is survived by his three children, Dennis Jordhoy, Pat Jordhoy, and Karen Otjes; as well as three stepchildren, Patty Dwyer, Paula Howe, and Rob Stewart; sixteen grandchildren and numerous great- grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his wife Else in 2016. 

Due to the current Covid situation there will be no service at this time.  The family hopes that sometime next summer we can hold a memorial and celebration of life.  Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on John’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

The family would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to all the staff and caregivers at Amica Britannia, where Dad spent his last couple of years.  You made his life more comfortable.

He leaves a huge hole in all of our hearts.

In living memory of John Jordhoy, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area.