Obituary of Donald Cosgrove

May 6, 1942 – Winnipeg, Manitoba

March 25, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound sadness that the family of Donald “Gary” Cosgrove, announce his passing in the early hours on Saturday, March 25, 2023, after a short but courageous battle with cancer at the age of 80 years. He was a proud family man who had a zest for life.

Gary was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB, on May 6, 1942, to Claire and Dorothy Cosgrove. In 1968, Gary met his best friend and love of his life, Marilyn, while both were working at the Government of Manitoba. They married on March 1, 1969, and were happily married for 54 years.

Gary will be sadly missed by his wife Marilyn, daughter Kelly (Doug) Dalton, son Sean (Karin) Cosgrove; six beloved grandchildren, Ethan, and Avery Dalton, David (Nikol), Daniel, Natalie, and Emmalie Cosgrove; sister Lynne Tovell; the Steel family; the Tovell families; the Cosgrove cousins; numerous friends, and of course, his beloved dog Eddie.

After graduating from Kelvin High School in Winnipeg, Gary attended the University of Manitoba for a few years before pursuing a career in accounting. Gary articled with Deloitte and in December 1970 earned his CA designation. A move to Imperial Oil in Toronto, ON, was followed by a transfer to Sarnia, ON, and in 1980, Gary was thrilled to be transferred to Calgary, AB. In 1992, Gary made a career move to West Coast Energy in Vancouver, BC, where he and Marilyn started a new life as empty nesters during that time. They happily returned home to Calgary in the year 2000, when Gary officially retired.

Gary loved all sports. In his early years he enjoyed his racquet sports and downhill skiing. Some of his fondest memories were from the many winter ski vacations enjoyed with friends and family from near and far. Although Gary enjoyed all sports, he favoured golf and curling. In his retirement, Gary golfed at D’Arcy Ranch, playing in a senior’s men’s league and curling at the ARC with FLC seniors. In the year 2000, he finally made his hole-in-one while golfing at The Ranch Golf course in Edmonton, AB, with his daughter and son-in-law. In 2021, Gary and his team achieved an ultimate in curling, with an 8–ender, at the ARC. He was so proud of these athletic achievements and had said jokingly, “if my time comes, I am good, I have done it all”.

Gary was a fun-loving man who most enjoyed time with his family, friends, and his faithful four-legged companion, Eddie. Nothing gave him more joy than being a part of his children’s and grandchildren’s achievements. He was our advisor on so many of life’s big decisions. We will miss his wisdom and support immensely. We love you and miss you!!

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the Palliative Home Care team and in particular, Judy; the team at Foothills Hospital; Tom Baker Cancer Centre; Peter Lougheed Centre; Chinook Hospice Care and of course, his family physician, Dr. Housam Bada, for his care and compassion.

A Celebration of Gary’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donor’s choice.

In living memory of Gary Cosgrove, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.

Click Here to View Gary Cosgrove's Memorial Card