Obituary of George Ernest Gourdinne

January 11, 1937 – Cluny, Alberta

October 14, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

George Gourdinne, beloved husband of Joanne “Joan” Gourdinne (nee Shaw), of Calgary, AB passed away on Saturday October 14, 2023 at the age of 86 years.

George was born on the family farm in Cluny, AB on January 11, 1937. He was raised there and completed his schooling in the area. He graduated from Bow Valley Composite High School.

In 1956, he moved to Edmonton, AB for a job with the Province of Alberta, Bridge Branch where he worked for five and a half years.

In January 1962, he joined the Calgary Police Service where he served for nearly twenty-nine years until July 1990.

After a brief hiatus, George continued his dedication to community and public service when he joined Southland Transportation for seventeen years until his ‘official’ retirement in 2008.

Along the way he met the love of his life, Joan, in 1962. They married in 1964 and enjoyed over 60 years together, raising 3 children while living in Calgary, and most recently in Airdrie, AB.

He was especially proud of his service as a Police Officer, and later with the Calgary Police Veterans Association. While he never was one to show off his accomplishments, his pride was evident through his memorabilia and sharing stories.

George loved to travel, and his most memorable vacations were when he and Joan went to Maui with his parents in 1975, and their cruise to Australia. Later, he enjoyed traveling with his family on many trips to Mexico.

George loved his life, family, and friends. He enjoyed camping, gardening, and watching hockey, baseball, and curling. His most favorite time spent was with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He will be remembered for his kind heart and giving nature. He wanted everyone to be happy and helped anyone who needed it.

Besides his loving wife of 59 years, George is survived by his son Brian (Mary-Ann) and daughter Jean (Gary); four grandchildren, Codie, Tara (Dustin), Amanda (Phil) and Alison; as well as two great-grandchildren, Audrey, and Chase.

George is also survived by two sisters Jeanne, and Florence (Ben); and by brother-in-law Bill Shaw (Sophie) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He will also be missed by his special furry friend, Buddie.

George was predeceased by daughter Deborah Lynn; mother, MarieAnne and father, Jules Gourdinne; brothers-in-law Bob Shaw and Leo Eriksen, and niece/God daughter Nicole Bugera.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.  Reception to follow at the Cuff and Billy Social Club  (3730 Westwinds Dr NE #100, Calgary, AB T3J 5H3). Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with George’s family here.

In living memory of George Gourdinne, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.