Obituary of John Balslev Jorgensen

May 1, 1944 - Esbjerg, Denmark
October 10, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

John Jorgensen, beloved husband of Sydney Jorgensen (nee Speirs) of Calgary, AB passed away on Tuesday October 10, 2023 at the age of 79 years.

In 1951, John along with his parents and his two ever-attentive older sisters, moved from Denmark to the Calgary area. He enjoyed growing up on various farms until his family moved into a house on Elbow Drive resulting in John being in the very first graduating class of nearby Henry Wisewood High School.

John first met Sydney, his loving wife of 55 years, shortly thereafter through mutual acquaintances. This group would remarkably evolve into some of their closest and lifelong friends. They remain extremely close to this day, always enjoying each other’s company, especially while at their various cabins and never-to-be missed New Years and Grey Cup parties.

John was extremely proud of obtaining his Chartered Accountant designation in 1971 and thoroughly enjoyed the subsequent 50+ years in the Calgary business community. His long and successful career, mainly in the Oil & Gas industry, started with the Bow Valley group of companies and concluded by serving as a trusted advisor for his dear friends at G.A.S. Analytical. John always took pride in being as comfortable and accepted on a drilling rig as he was in a boardroom and would fondly reminisce about the various business adventures that took him throughout the Canadian High Arctic, Asia, India, Europe and many places in-between. After formally retiring John took great pleasure serving in a mentorship role to several young entrepreneurs across Southern Alberta through CETAC.

John had a wide range of interests and was a proud member of the Danish Canadian Club, Calgary Power and Sail Squadron, Foothills Model T Ford Club and Earl Grey Golf Club. It’s fair to say that John tolerated more than enjoyed golf but he loved using it as an excuse to get together with his long-standing C.A. pals and to get in the occasional round with his Lakeview group of friends.

John was a beloved friend and neighbour, known for his sense of humour and as someone who was always happy to lend a helping hand. Neighbours would always stop and chat with John while he fixed something on his driveway or gave him a knowing wave as he rumbled-by in his treasured Model T.

John loved the ocean, fishing, woodworking and enjoying the wilderness. These passions all came together when he and Sydney discovered Haida Gwaii, fell in love with the rugged islands and hand-built a cabin. John’s favourite place in the world was on the front porch of his cabin surrounded by family and his dearest island neighbours and friends.

Nothing was more important to John than his family. There was no greater joy than the love of his wife, his children, their spouses and his four grandchildren. Time together as a family was treasured by John whether at home in his backyard, at the cabin, or on trips together near and far. 

He is survived by his wife Sydney; his son and daughter-in-law Kyle and Ingrid Jorgensen, and granddaughters Paige and Elle; his daughter and son-in-law Lauren and Jeff McManus, granddaughter Grier and grandson Tully. John is also survived by his two beloved sisters, Kirsten Petersen of Denmark and Karen McIntosh of Calgary; as well as his dear nieces, nephews and cousins. John was predeceased by his parents John and Esther Jorgensen; his brothers-in-law, Mogens Petersen, “Mickey” McIntosh and Gregg Speirs; and his nephew James McIntosh.

John was truly grateful for every day, everything and everyone in his life. Over his last few years, he was especially thankful for the loving care he received and the dignity he was granted up until his passing. The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Charlene Fell and Kirk Mathison at South Health and the incredible staff at Chinook Hospice for making that possible.

A Private Family Memorial Service will held at a later date. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with John’s family at here. 

In living memory of John Jorgensen, 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.