Obituary of Gordon John Sidjak

July 16, 1958 – Toronto, Ontario
December 22, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

Gordon Sidjak, beloved son of William and Doreen Sidjak, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at the age of 63 years.

Born in Toronto, ON, on July 16, 1958, Gord was a precocious and outgoing boy who thrived at school and participated in all sorts of extracurricular activities and sports. Upon graduating from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1979, Gord headed off to the University of Toronto to study law. By all accounts, he worked only as hard as was absolutely necessary, relying instead on improvisation and fast-talking. Ten months after receiving his degree, while articling for Cook & Snowdon, Gord was struck by a drunken driver and sustained a life-threatening brain-injury. Through sheer determination, he made an exceptional recovery, but for the last 38 years of his life he was dependent on family and support workers of various descriptions. Those who had known him as a highly independent and free-spirited young man were astonished at the grace and dignity with which he adapted to and accepted his new circumstances. In fact, we learned in recent years that several young people were inspired by Gord to pursue a career in brain-injury rehabilitation. The final chapter of his life began in July of 2021. On top of the initial insult to his brain, Gord was afflicted with a tumor (glioblastoma) and spent these past five months in hospice.

Predeceased by his father, William, Gord leaves behind his mother, Doreen, sister, Jane, and brothers Robert (Julia) and David, along with nieces Kati and Nora and nephews James, Kevin, and John.

A Celebration of Gord's life will be held at a later date. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

We, Gord's family, wish to sincerely thank the wonderful staff at Southwood Hospice, as well as Delia and Maria and the rest of the team at Proverbium Homes. 

In living memory of Gordon Sidjak, 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.