Obituary of John Stanley Kowal

May 1, 1962 – Hamilton, Ontario

October 15, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

Before passing on Saturday, October 15, 2022, John lived an amazing and full life, embracing every moment. John was a man of faith and a devoted husband to the love of his life and his soulmate, Deb. Beloved son to his mother Janina (preceded by his father Frank) and mother-in-law Shirley French (preceded by his father-in-law Jack Lobraico); cherished brother to Rick (Joyline) and brother-in-law to Michael French (Darlene); adored uncle to Jacob (Brittany), Megan (Graham), Spencer (Brooke), Matthew (Alanna), Evan, Jake, and Alex; and great uncle to Blakely and Wesley.

A caring, thoughtful, adventurous, and energetic man, John embodied all those values with everything he did with family, friends, and businesses. He was always there to listen, to encourage and to provide support. John was driven and passionate as he built his accomplished career spanning over 37 years, working in a variety of industries, in different cities and collaborating with talented and inspiring people, of whom many became lifelong friends. That passion flowed into his love of cars. Driving switchbacks in Europe, Corvette caravans, track days, graduating from Porsche driving school in Le Mans, and clocking many miles on road trips throughout Europe and North America with his co-pilot Deb by his side, always stopping to refuel along the way with a scoop or two of ice cream.

The adventurous spirit continued with hot air balloon rides, scuba diving with sharks, experimenting with Christmas feasts in Hong Kong, trekking through blue mountains in Australia, tackling the road to Portofino, applying the putter and driver theme to golf, hiking to castles, tapping wine tanks, desiring to go "ARCHING", biking the Tuscany and Provence terrain, strolling the beach at sunrise, and making a splash in many bodies of water. He loved embracing life and living life on the edge.

Some people were lucky to experience firsthand his creative mischievous side behind the bar, concocting that special beverage with a twist, for many occasions. But where he was the happiest, the twinkle in his eyes, was when he was at home enjoying some good laughs and great food with family and friends. Our beautiful and beloved John will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by family, friends, business colleagues and anyone who was fortunate to have met and spent time with him.

A private family Funeral Mass and Graveside Service will be held on Monday, October 24, 2022. A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at a future date in both Calgary and Toronto. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes can be made to the Veterans Transition Network, 1-844-236-8387, https://vtncanada.org/donate/. Everyone who remembers John, is asked to celebrate his life in their own way.

We hold you close within our hearts, dearest John.

In living memory of John Kowal, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area.