Obituary of Johann Jurok

July 12, 1946 – St. Johann Braunau, Austria

June 5, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Johann “Jon” Jurok of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, June 5, 2023, at the age of 76 years.

Jon immigrated to Canada in 1950 with his family initially settling in Winnipeg prior to relocating to Calgary. It was in Calgary where he met the love of his life, Judith Lynne Evans and the two were married on August 13, 1969.

During his young adult life, Jon developed a keen interest in bodybuilding and fast cars. However, soon these gave way to his creative side and what would eventually become his lifelong interest in photography.

The loving couple regularly mixed Jon’s yearning for photogenic scenery with their mutual interest in travelling. They often stopped at abandoned prairie barns, small winding creeks, and lonely waterfalls. Between them, they eventually settled on Hawaii as their favourite destination, travelling there as often as they could (with lots of film in tow).

While Jon’s love of photography began with the innocent act of photographing any imaginable theme, he eventually amassed a sizable portfolio. And, in doing so, seeming to recognize that a moment, no matter how small or insignificant, should never be passed over or forgotten.

When his voracious appetite for the arts and the technology behind it (past and present) eventually outpaced what Calgary could support, he chose a parallel path of entrepreneurship.  

Upon opening his first portrait studio, later adding a small used camera storefront, Jon began to master the art of salesmanship. This newfound talent culminated in a widely recognized campaign of businesses related to both the art and the process and equipment that makes it possible. His name became synonymous with photography in Calgary.

While his primary interest was in providing for his family, it was no secret that he equally enjoyed mentoring those around him and forever “Wheeling and Dealing” with anyone who cared to share a coffee with him down at the shop or, especially in later years, a sturdy Saturday morning breakfast. For all those amazed at his perseverance, it seems he finally managed to trade his way right up to the top.

Johann is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Javiera Jurok of Calgary, Alberta; three grandchildren, Julien and Elise Lavertu of Cochrane, Alberta and Matias Jurok of Calgary, Alberta. Johann is also survived by his brother Peter Jurok of Calgary, Alberta, as well as numerous close friends. Johann was predeceased by Judith Lynne Jurok, his daughter Sheri Lynne Lavertu, and his parents, Alec and Bertha Jurok, all of Calgary, Alberta.

Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Johann Jurok, 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.