Obituary of Gerard Joseph Curley

CURLEY, Gerard Joseph "Bones"
December 11, 1956 - December 24, 2020

Gerard Curley passed away at Rosedale Hospice on December 24, 2020. He left his earthly home kicking and screaming (figuratively). He was clearly in no rush to depart.

Gerard graduated with a degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alberta in 1984, and worked in this field until the week before starting his final cancer treatment. He would say that he loved the work so much that he would have done it without pay; he never said this loud enough for Payroll to hear. Most of his career was spent helping people return to work following injury or illness. He loved gathering with friends and family over good food and wine, sharing music, and great laughter. He will be remembered for bringing people together and for celebrating their gifts.

He leaves behind his siblings Angela (Jim), John (Sharron), Bill (Gail), and Kathy; sister-in-law Mary (Scott Schlosser), as well as nephews and nieces, Kevin (Denise), Colin (Jenny), Christie (Andrew), Sean (Junko), Matthew (Lauren), Andrew (Krista), Brendan (Rebecca) and Emily (Hima). Gerard will also be remembered by his grandnieces, grandnephews, and by his many dear friends and relatives across the country. Gerard was predeceased by his parents, Mary and O'Leary Curley, and by his brother Michael.

Due to the pandemic, the Celebration of Gerard's Life will take place at a later date. In the words of one of Gerard's favorite songs: "There's a gathering of spirits, there's a festival of friends. And we'll take up where we left off when we all meet again".

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Gerard’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. He would want to extend his gratitude to the staff of the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, including Dr. Safiya Karim and her team who tended to his care with expertise and compassion. Towards the end of his life Gerard relied on help from Palliative Home Care as well as from the many kindnesses shown by his friends and colleagues. His community at Prairie Sky surrounded and supported him during his illness and lit his path to the ambulance for his final journey from home.

In living memory of Gerard Curley, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.