Obituary of John Frederick Arthur Collison

March 22, 1940 – October 23, 2022

Jack enriched the lives of everyone he met and left this world a better place. He was a wonderful man who filled an important role in the lives of his family, friends, and coworkers, all of whom will miss him forever.

He retired from thirty-six years on the Calgary Fire Department as District Chief in the year 2000. Some of his fondest career memories included the 10 years he spent as Captain at Number 2 Station on C Platoon where his kind, strong, inspiring leadership was admired and respected. Jack loved the outdoors; hiking in the Rocky Mountains, camping with his family and friends, skiing powder (and ice) at Lake Louise, taking his home built ’47 Ford to rod runs with his wife Gloria, and bringing his three grandchildren to the zoo whenever they asked.

His love for Calgary was shown through his involvement in the city’s various organizations including coaching his sons’ community hockey and lacrosse teams, volunteering for the Calgary Stampede, and dedicating his time as the Vice President of the Calgary Firefighter’s Association.

While his list of accomplishments is one thing, the true testament to his character is how much he was, and continues to be, loved. When greeted by Jack, one was always met with a warm, “Howdy! How are ya?” accompanied by the familiar, kind sparkle in his eye.

The family would like to send a huge thank you to every staff member at Bethany Riverview in Calgary who not only cared for Pappa Jack, but treated him with endless love and kindness each day he spent with them.

Jack was predeceased by his beloved son Craig and is survived by his wife Gloria, his son Kevin, his “favourite-daughter-in-law” Fiona, his sisters Beverly Cummins (Jim), and Victoria Austin (Dale); his niece Jody (Krif), and his three grandchildren Kestrel, Cleodie, and Jack.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. We ask friends to please refrain from gifts of flowers, and instead make direct memorial donations to a charity of their choice if they choose to do so. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Jack Collison, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.