Obituary of John Joseph Dirrane

July 11, 1949 - Calgary, Alberta

December 25, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

John Dirrane, beloved husband of Darlene Dirrane (nee Hager) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2021, at the age of 72 years.  Also survived by his son Mike (Diane) Dirrane and their fur babies. John was predeceased by his mother Lillian, father Jack and brother Dan.

John had a varied career starting at Reggin Industries before attending Mount Royal College where he earned a Diploma in Business Administration.  After graduating he started with Gulf Canada in 1976 and then moved to Petro Canada when the companies merged.  His career continued there filling many roles and tackling many new challenges for a total of 33 years. After his retirement in 2006 he became an active member of the Petro Canada Alumni Association and later a member of the board where he was able to keep in touch with the many friends he made throughout his career.

John loved to be of service and donated his time coaching and managing many minor hockey teams with the MESA and NASA associations in Calgary.  Once his son had stopped playing, he still couldn’t help being at the arena and was a member of the NEAA board for many years.  He also became a volunteer with Mac’s Tournament and a host for the team from Pittsburgh for several years. 

John had a lifelong love of horseracing, small rodeo (especially bull riding) and chuckwagon racing.  There always seemed to be a huge twenty-five cent bet on the wagon races between him and Darlene, which he usually lost.  He couldn’t help betting on a grey horse which usually didn’t work out.    

In John’s younger years he enjoyed camping and fishing with his family even though there was some tense moments and discussions trying to back the trailer into the camp sites.

In later years John traded camping for golfing.  John and his wife were members of Strathmore Golf Club for many years.  John loved to golf with his family and his close friends especially if they took him to their course.  He also enjoyed playing interclub as it gave him a chance to experience new courses and meet new people.  Anyone who played golf with John got to experience places in the trees that most people or animals haven’t seen.

John and his wife were bit by the travel bug. They loved to take long road trips mostly because he didn’t take direction well and was famous for taking a left if he was unsure. These misadventures usually led to an ice cream stand and a story or two.  From road trips, to bus trips in Europe and cruises (the availability and variety of ice cream on board was a definite bonus), he loved to travel with old friends, new friends and people he met along the way which instantly became friends who he enjoyed staying in touch with.  

John was particularly fond of the animals in his life especially his little buddy Reggie who owned his knee for several weeks a year. 

To keep active in retirement and because he could not sit still, he volunteered with numerous organizations and charities including the Food Bank, Shaw Charity Classic, ATB Classic, Calgary Grey Cup and anyone that needed a hand.  His pet project was the Condo Board where he lived, using his many years of contracts and maintenance experience to get things done.

John was always tinkering with something.  From restoring an old tire air meter in original Gulf Canada colours and decals, to fixing/improving things around the house and condo complex to making yard art, he was always busy.  This included dropping by his son’s shop to get something welded while lending his opinions on the current project, chatting with the guys, and generally bringing production to a stop while everyone would listen to his stories.

John’s family would like to send a special Thank You to everyone that has helped us in this difficult time.  A huge shout goes out to the Calgary First Responders as well as the emergency staff at the PLC hospital who all went above and beyond.

The Family will be holding a private gathering to celebrate John’s life. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of John Dirrane, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.