Obituary of George Sandy Kuss

November 11, 1929 – Winnipeg, Manitoba

July 21, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

George Kuss of Calgary, passed away peacefully at the young age of 93 (and a half!) on Friday, July 21, 2023, a scant 26 days after losing his beloved Carol, his wife of 66 years and the love of his life.

George Sandy Kuss was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on November 11th, 1929. The family moved to Brandon in 1940. George was a fun loving and colourful character and after he completed a short stint in reform school, the family relocated to Calgary in 1947 on his 18th birthday, population 92,000.

George met and befriended many other characters as he settled into his new life in Calgary. Following initially in his father's footsteps, George started work for CP Rail at the Ogden shops for $.89 hr. Working 44 hours a week he eventually worked his way up to $1.29 hr. after 5+ years. At 22, he became the youngest journeyman steamfitter at the CPR. Leaving the CPR, he took many courses at SAIT and by the time he was done he held tickets in the plumbing, refrigeration, gas fitting and steam fitting trades. Work took him to many remote northern locales including Eureka as well as Baffin and Ellesmere islands. He eventually opened his own successful mechanical contracting company which ran for 19 years. He had the distinction of working on the Foothills, Rockyview and General hospitals as well as the Chinook Shopping Centre, Jubilee Auditorium, and the Husky (Calgary) Tower before retiring at age 55.

Being a tradesman was very good to George and he took it quite seriously and promoted it vigorously. He mentored many a young man and more than a few have him to thank for their careers and lifestyles today. Feeling very strongly that a trade was the way to go, he left a sizable gift of scholarships at SAIT.

In 1954, he met his beautiful Carol at the racetrack at Stampede Park and they wed two years later. Carol made an honest man out of George and together, they built a wonderful life full of friends, family, and laughter. They hosted innumerable parties and barbeques be it for Stampede, Grey Cup or for no reason at all. They even had a booth at the Stampede where they sold hot dogs and hamburgers for 15 years. George also trained dogs for the City Police and the RCMP back in the day, one of which was even assigned to protect Queen Elizabeth on one of her visits.

Together, they had many adventures and enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, Panama, Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Florida, and they took to wintering in Mesa, Arizona where they made many friends over 30+ years. George took to dirt biking and logged more than a few miles in the Arizona hills. They enjoyed cards, pool, lotteries, the CFL and in their later years they could frequently be found at The Grey Eagle Casino.

No one could accuse George of being a man of few words. He always had a snappy comeback and if you ever played snooker with him, you would be treated to many of his colourful euphemisms (that’ll bring tears to a glass eye!).

George enjoyed family and giving back to the community. A 30+ year member of The Lions Club of Bearspaw, George took part in many charitable endeavours eventually becoming the chapter president.

He stayed busy right to the end and enjoyed his daily beer and chicken wings at Buffalo Bob’s. Even into his 90’s, George could be found on his computer emailing, on YouTube or checking out “How Things Work”. He was always curious and happy to help.

George is survived by his brother Wilfred. He was predeceased by his parents, his sisters Ruth, Beatrice, Dorothy, and Juanita as well as his brothers Lloyd and Donald. The wind went out of his sails when he lost his precious Carol.

Special thanks to all the staff at Unit 61 at the Foothills Medical Centre who took such good care of him and who provided much comfort during his final days.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Buffalo Bob's (#126 - 3715 51 Street SW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, August 19, 2023 from 2:00PM to 5:00PM. 

In living memory of George Kuss, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.