Obituary of Joseph Edward LOVECKY

June 23, 1936 – July 1, 2021

With profound sadness, I announce the passing of Joe on Thursday, July 1, 2021. Joe was the much-loved husband of Betty for fifty-five years.

Joe was born in Flin Flon, MB and was predeceased by his parents, Melicher and Ann (Siroski) Lovecky. He attended Flin Flon Collegiate, graduating in 1954, and went on to obtain a chemical engineering degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1958.

From an early age, Joe was a very hard worker, assisting his father in a trucking business with the North American Lumber Company in Flin Flon. From these early beginnings, Joe had a long and successful career with British American Oil and its successor, Gulf Oil Canada, including a ten-year assignment in Kuwait (1972-82). During his Kuwait assignment, Joe was assigned to London, England, by the Kuwait Oil Co. as the project manager for a major gas project. This huge undertaking was successfully completed in 1976. Upon his return to Kuwait, he was appointed general manager of the overall project and existing LPG facilities, a position he held until being reassigned to Gulf Oil Canada in Calgary. During his career, he was a mentor to many Gulf Oil employees and helped further their successful careers within Gulf Oil and other oil companies in Calgary. He brought an incredible work ethic and conscientiousness in all his work.

Joe stayed active in retirement as a consultant for Glencoe Resources, a position he enjoyed and maintained for several years. Joe was an accomplished bridge player, an excellent curler, and an avid reader. He loved to travel, and over the years, he and Betty travelled extensively to many parts of the world.

Joe and Betty enjoyed winters in Maui and summers and special occasions at their summer home in Whitefish, Montana. They had a very active social life and a wide circle of friends. Their many friendships wherever they went were a vibrant part of their lives.

Joe lived a life of integrity, selflessness, and modesty, always putting others before himself and never asking for anything in return. While unassuming, he was a keen observer of human nature, was very perceptive and insightful. He was a caring and loving husband, son, brother, and uncle. His Catholic faith was an integral part of his life. In recent years, Joe confronted significant health issues and met these challenges with steadfast courage, quiet strength, and perseverance without complaint.

He will be remembered by all who knew him for his unfailingly gentlemanly character, his kindness, his generosity, his encouragement to others, his quick wit, and his incredible sense of humour. His sensitivity and thoughtfulness to others knew no bounds. He was highly respected by all who had the good fortune to know him.

Besides his loving wife, he will be sadly missed by his sister Elaine, brother-in-law David Shearing of Kanata, ON, nephew Daniel Shearing of Edmonton, AB, niece Jennifer Pearcey of Waterloo, ON, daughters, Katherine and Allison; and son-in-law Chris. He is leaving an enormous void in our hearts.

I would like to extend my appreciation for the loving care provided by the staff at Garrison Green and by Emma Valdez.

Funeral services will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church at 5340 4th Street SW on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow at McInnis and Holloway Funeral Home on 50th Avenue SW. All are invited to attend.

“He had a nature you could not help loving
And a heart that was pure gold”

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial donation may be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed on Joe’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. 

In living memory of Joseph Lovecky, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.