Obituary of Patrick (Pat) Biss

May 15, 1951 – Regina, Saskatchewan    
October 17, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta    

Our dear husband and father, Pat Biss, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, October 17, 2021. 

Born in Regina, SK, Pat was the middle child of five brothers. The Biss family spent their summers at the cabin on Katepwa Lake, where Pat’s parents had their family cabin, and where all five brothers have cabins together. Summers have always been a point of family enjoyment, especially at the annual Bissmas in August; everyone mixes between cabins, shares stories, tells jokes, and spends time down at the lakefront – there is no place for quiet at the Biss’. The cousins all have fond memories of their Uncle Pat and his humour.

He graduated with a BSc. in Geology in 1974 and worked at Continental Laboratories/CL Consultants for the entirety of his career, including as the Vice President of Continental Laboratories and the President of CL Consultants. Right up until he retired in 2019, he was passionate about his work and mentorship.

In 1974, Pat married the love of his life, Gerrie; no two people more exemplified “best friends” over the course of their 47-year marriage. Pat and Gerrie moved to Calgary the same year and have had a beautiful life together consisting of four homes, many trips and cruises, countless Friday dinners with friends, and the addition of their son, Jordan, in 1984 (they’ve only wanted to sell him a few times over the years). Pat continued to explore his love of travel and his other passion, golf, with Jordan, including a three-week safari trip to South Africa in 2008. 

Pat and Gerrie are known for hosting their annual Ukrainian Christmas dinner. No house has looked so much like Christmas exploded in it as theirs does every year. These dinners featured both a traditional Ukrainian and turkey-style menu, up to 30 guests, two sets of carolers, a rotating Christmas tree and five-foot-tall Santa, and tons of Christmas cheer. Pat was an expert turkey-carver and an only mediocre table setter. 

Pat will be lovingly remembered by his wife Gerrie, son Jordan (Christine), brothers, John (Cecilia), Bob (Linda), Terry (Darlene), and Tom (Faye); mother-in-law Ruth, sisters-in-law, Charmaine (Doug) and Raylene; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, Grace and Jack. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Hamid Banijamali, Faye, and everyone else from the Libin Cardiovascular Institute, along with his complete medical support team, for their exceptional care over the past few years – Pat’s heart has always been in good hands. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Libin Cardiovascular Institute – Research through the University of Calgary: https://engage.ucalgary.ca/patrickbisscheques. Or cheques can be made out to “University of Calgary” with “Patrick Biss” in the memo and sent to: University of Calgary OVC 131 2500 University Dr NW Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Attn: Stephanie Kallay. 

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB), on Friday, October 29, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Those attending will be asked to confirm one of the following, (A) COVID vaccination (date requested), OR (B) a negative COVID test (within 72 hours), OR (C) Medical exemption AND valid government identification (with name & date of birth) OR (D) Under 12 years of age. If you are planning to attend, please RSVP at: https://forms.gle/qHHZNxxcHQxjH8WbA. Family and friends who are unable to attend are invited to join Mr. Biss’ service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here. 

In living memory of Patrick Biss, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.