Obituary of John Carruthers

June 30, 1945 - February 28, 2020

John was born in Yellowknife, NWT, and his family moved to Calgary in 1946. He was the youngest of three children. He attended Strathcona School for Boys and Central High School, graduating in 1963. After high school, John attended Notre Dame University in Nelson, BC, before transferring to the University of Montana. He graduated with a BA in Political Science and Economics in 1970.

Shortly after graduating from university, John returned to Alberta and began working as a commercial loans officer with the TD bank in Edmonton. John’s career in the oil and gas business started in 1973, when he was lured away from banking to join Exxon Mobile Corp as a landman for the Alberta Exploration group. The oil and gas business became his passion and his career spanned 42 years. He continued his work in the sector with Kerr McGee Corporation as the land manager in charge of Canadian Land operations. John’s independence and entrepreneurial spirit led him to found or co-found and assume leadership roles in several oil and gas companies: Summit Resources (1979), Hillcrest Resources (1984), Lorrac Energy Inc./Tethys Energy Corp (1992), Encounter Energy Inc. (1997), and Avery Resources Inc. (2003). John retired in 2015.

He was a proud Calgarian, who had many lifelong friends. John was a community builder and a proud board member of the Alberta Motor Association, becoming Chairman of both the Regional and Provincial Boards. John went on to represent Alberta as the provincial representative on the CAA National Board. John always loved cars and, as a tribute to his father, restored Howard’s 1964 Ford Thunderbird.

John was an active man who loved the Glencoe and his many friends there. He was in his element while riding his bike along the Legacy Trail and the many paths in Calgary. His cycling friends were very special to him. John was also a skillful skier, often tackling black diamond slopes and challenging mogul courses well into his seventies. John, Carol and Peter enjoyed many years vacationing at their Lake Windermere home, time filled with boating, water skiing and family time on the deck marveling at the beauty of the Columbia Valley.

John loved music, and he played his guitar regularly for Carol as his audience.

Above all John’s greatest source of happiness was his family. John was a loving and devoted husband to Carol and father to Peter.

Carol, Peter and Vanessa want to thank all of our family and friends who have supported us with their love through this difficult time.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of John Carruthers, 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.