Obituary of John Edward George Pfoh

May 30, 1956 – Calgary, Alberta

March 16, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

John Edward George Pfoh, beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend, of Calgary, AB, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 16, at the age of 65.

John was born in Calgary, Alberta on May 30, 1956. By every measure, John was an incredible man. He felt a deep responsibility to care for those he loved. He was selfless, gentle, and genuine and always put others before himself. First and foremost, John was a father. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his children and his six grandchildren. He took immense pride in his role as a father and grandfather and tried to instill his morals and beliefs in his family. There was no question that there was always going to be fun and laughter involved when our Dad was around.

John was a faithful Christian whose foundation for life was his trust in God. Memorizing scripture was very important to him. In addition to offering him daily strength and encouragement, these scriptures also got him through the most difficult hardships of his life. He prayed for the health and happiness of his children and grandchildren daily, as well as anyone that he felt had a need for prayer. His servant heart was such a blessing to all.

As a young man out of high school, John attended SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) where he graduated as a licensed mechanic. Right up until his passing he enjoyed helping people fix their vehicles and tinker on any project that needed attention. He had an amazing talent for problem solving and fixing things. He would not give up until the problem was figured out and the task complete. In his early 30’s he transitioned from mechanics to operating various businesses, mainly service stations. As a boss he was incredibly generous and kind to his employees, which made him greatly admired and respected by those who worked with him and under him. Over the last decade or so he took the role of an employee for the first time in a long time, working at a golf course and finally as a landscaper, cutting grass and shoveling snow. As always, he was greatly valued by his fellow coworkers and his bosses; it can’t be put into words how exceedingly reliable, hardworking, and trustworthy he was.

John’s presence was always known in any room and his laughter and hilarious sense of humour left a lasting impression on anyone he met. He loved a good party and would always make his rounds to talk to everyone there. His gift to make people laugh was equaled only by his gift to have serious life-giving conversations.  He acted as a mentor to many people, sometimes talking for hours on end with someone to help solve a difficult situation they were having. To some people’s surprise, John was an introvert at heart. He loved staying up late analyzing stocks or watching his favorite movies. He was very content being on his own (unless his children or grandchildren were available). John would help anyone at the drop of a hat. He had the gift of practical service, which was offered to everybody without hesitation or expectation of a returned favour. He was the hardest worker we have ever known; a value that he passed onto us, his children.

Some of John’s interests and passions were coaching his kids’ various sports teams, playing pool, bike riding, going on walks (especially in the rain), and learning Spanish. He also had an extraordinary love for competitive games such as cards, chess, darts, or ping pong – specifically, he loved winning and playfully poking fun at the loser. He couldn’t play without wagering something: a steak dinner, a bottle of rum, or a lottery ticket. He also spent countless hours on the stock market, analyzing, investing, and risking. He enjoyed the challenge it brought and was able to weather the many ups and downs that came with it.

John leaves behind his broken-hearted children and grandchildren that loved him immensely: daughters Robyn (Mike) and Jenna (Chris), son Jamie (Nicole), and grandchildren Lucy-Rae, Brooklyn, Chase, Miah, Matthew, and Autumn. He is also survived by his siblings that he shared a close bond with: sisters Marilyn and Wendy, and his brother Robert. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews that cherished him greatly. His impact as a friend stretches far and wide; friends from childhood, pool, his work life, his years as a coach, and church. He touched the lives of us all very deeply. 

John is predeceased by his beloved son Christopher. We find peace knowing Dad is with Chrissy and that the heaviness he has carried since we lost him 16 years ago is finally lifted. He is also predeceased by his mother Marjorie and father John, and by his beloved feline companion Lloyd. “Lloydster” brought immense joy to John’s life, particularly after Chrissy’s passing. His dedication to his cat with special needs was truly admirable and we are glad they are reunited.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5)

A Celebration of Life will be held at RockPointe Church (Bearspaw, 225024 Lochend Road, Calgary, AB) on Friday, March 25, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the church hall. Given John’s enormous and vibrant personality, casual dress with color is encouraged, or anything memorable of him.

In loving memory of John, McInnis & Holloway Funeral Home will plant a tree in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area.

Click Here to View John Pfoh's Memorial Card